Joby Aviation Accelerates Electric Air Taxi Launch with $1.8B Funding Boost

Joby Aviation has announced significant advancements in its electric air taxi plans. The company is preparing to launch passenger services in the UAE this year while pushing ahead with certification and production. A recent funding boost of nearly $1.8 billion will help scale up operations as it secures new partnerships and sales agreements.

The company revealed its first FAA-conforming aircraft is now ready for flight. All test aircraft for TIA certification are also in production, marking a key milestone in its development. On the regulatory side, Joby has advanced further in FAA Stage 4 certification, gaining an 18-point increase in its progress score.

Joby has also expanded its commercial reach. A letter of intent with Kazakhstan could bring in up to $250 million in aircraft sales. Meanwhile, a partnership with Metropolis will develop 25 vertiport sites across the U.S. to support future operations. The company plans to demonstrate its service in select U.S. locations this year through the government's eIPP program, though official site selections remain pending until a Department of Transportation decision in February 2026.

During a financial results call on February 25, 2026, CEO JoeBen Bevirt and CFO Rodrigo Brumana outlined the company's growth plans. Analysts from firms like Cantor Fitzgerald, Needham & Company, and Barclays took part in the Q&A session. The call also highlighted Joby's exclusive six-year access to Dubai's air taxi market, where it aims to carry its first passengers in 2026.

With nearly $1.8 billion raised in the past six months, Joby is accelerating production and certification efforts. The company's focus remains on launching commercial services in Dubai while preparing for U.S. operations. Regulatory progress and new partnerships signal steady momentum toward its air mobility goals.