Flying Taxis Are Finally Nearing Takeoff, Firm Claims

One of the biggest staples of science fiction—the flying car—could soon be taking to the skies. The only question is: which country will get there first?

Joby Aviation is currently midway through the fourth of five stages in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) certification process. I Photo: Joby Aviation

Advanced air mobility—understood by most as a taxi capable of vertical takeoff and flight similar to a helicopter—is approaching the final stages of testing and certification in both China and the U.S., Sonal Nain reported for Newsweek.

U.S. industry leaders are aware of China’s progress but are focused on doing things the right way, experts said.

Eric Allison, chief product officer at Joby Aviation, told Newsweek that the company is currently midway through the fourth of five stages in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) certification process, which requires testing every single component of the aircraft.

The results of these tests—including flight tests—will be submitted to the FAA in stage five.

Although exact rollout timelines for flying taxis remain unclear, test flights are already happening regularly in both the U.S. and the U.K., where Joby has partnered with Virgin Atlantic to develop shuttle services from British airports.