Joby Begins FAA-Backed Air Taxi Airport Demos in Texas

Joby Aviation began a weeklong demonstration campaign in Texas on Thursday, flying its preproduction eVTOL aircraft directly into airports alongside regular air traffic. The flights are part of a partnership with the FAA and the Texas Department of Transportation.

The campaign opened with a flight at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport that included a joint demonstration with aircraft from other manufacturers. Joby said the goal is to show how the air taxi can operate in busy controlled airspace, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

The aircraft is not yet type certified and is not carrying passengers. Joby is using the flights to test real-world routes across North Texas, including connections to major urban hubs, as it works toward certification.

The week's activities are part of the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, which runs for three years across 26 states. The program aims to help the FAA identify regulatory gaps, improve procedures, and support safe integration of eVTOL aircraft into the National Airspace System.

Joby has previously flown its prototype in testing environments and at real airports, including over the San Francisco Bay and from JFK Airport to heliports in New York City. This week's campaign is different because it is conducted under an other transaction agreement with the FAA, rather than being a self-directed demonstration.

The schedule runs through Monday and may change based on weather or other factors.