Joby Aviation this week started construction to expand the Pilot Production Line for its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft. When completed next year, the work will more than double the capacity of the site at Marina Municipal Airport in California.
During a groundbreaking event on April 29, Joby rolled out its second production prototype aircraft. This will follow the first conforming example of the model to Edwards Air Force Base, where the U.S. Air Force is evaluating applications for eVTOL vehicles. Two more production aircraft are now in final assembly at Marina.
As it prepares for higher volumes of production, Joby is also establishing manufacturing capability in Ohio. The company recently acquired an existing facility at Dayton International Airport and plans to develop a production line there capable of turning out 500 aircraft per year.
Joby is working towards FAA type certification in time for initial air taxi services to begin in 2025. Its unnamed aircraft will carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph on short routes in and around cities.
The expansion of its footprint in Marina is being partly funded by a $9.8 million grant from the California Competes fund administered by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Last year, California Governor Gavin Newsom visited Joby in Marina.
“This facility will play a foundational role in our future success and it is a privilege to once again be growing our footprint and our workforce in California,” said Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt. “I am grateful to the local community and our many supporters who have advocated on our behalf to reach this point and to Toyota for everything they continue to do to make manufacturing a success at Joby.”