California-based Joby Aviation announced on August 5, 2026, alongside its second-quarter financial results, that it expects to launch its first flights under the US eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) in September 2026, with initial operations planned in Texas. The electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developer also confirmed that it maintains its target of flying its first passengers before the end of 2026.
Established under a presidential executive order, the eIPP saw its first eight projects selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Department of Transportation on March 9, 2026. The program permits participants to fly aircraft that have not yet obtained FAA type certification under specialized agreements negotiated directly with the agency, enabling companies to collect operational data to support future aviation rulemaking.
The Texas eIPP initiative is led by the Texas Department of Transportation and includes Joby Aviation alongside industry partners Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, and Wisk. The project aims to establish regional aerial connections linking Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, with plans to later expand connections to Houston.
Joby reported significant progress in its type certification journey, currently navigating the fifth and final stage of FAA certification. Since beginning flight testing of its first conforming aircraft, registered N547JX, on March 11, 2026, Joby now has five aircraft actively flying and twelve additional units in production, with plans for two further deliveries before the end of 2026.
On the financial side, Joby recorded $36.2 million in second-quarter revenue generated by Blade, the helicopter charter operator it acquired in 2025. Consequently, the company raised its full-year 2026 revenue forecast to between $115 million and $125 million. As of June 30, 2026, Joby held $2.3 billion in cash and short-term investments, and projects cash usage between $385 million and $415 million during the second half of the year.
