Joby Aviation Inc. Gears Up for Air Taxi Pilot Training with State-of-the-Art Simulators

On January 6, 2026, Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) announced a significant milestone in its journey toward launching commercial passenger services with electric air taxis. The company has accepted its first flight simulator developed in collaboration with CAE (NYSE: CAE) (TSX: CAE), a recognized leader in pilot training technology. This press release marks a crucial step in Joby's preparation for its highly anticipated first commercial flights, set to commence later this year.

The simulators, which are nearing qualification among the highest classifications set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are designed to provide ultra-realistic training environments tailored for single-pilot eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) operations. Bonny Simi, President of Operations for Joby, emphasized the critical role these simulators play in the FAA certification process, stating, "These simulators are central to the FAA certification process and are being delivered on time to support pilot training ahead of Joby’s first commercial flights planned for this year."

Joby's partnership with CAE began in 2022, a strategic move aimed at ensuring that the flight simulators would meet FAA qualifications prior to the operational launch of Joby's aircraft. The first simulator is expected to achieve Level 7 Flight Training Device status, while the second simulator, a full-motion device, is anticipated to be classified as Level C, capable of simulating Joby’s aircraft across all axes of motion.

The simulators are not just advanced in terms of regulatory compliance; they also feature cutting-edge technology designed to enhance pilot training experiences. Equipped with a 300-by-130-degree field of view, the simulators offer pilots a fully immersive visual environment powered by CAE’s next-generation Prodigy Image Generator. This system utilizes gaming technology through Epic Games' Unreal Engine, creating highly detailed 3D visuals of urban landscapes.

To enhance realism, the simulators include audio cues, turbulence, and vibration systems that replicate actual flight conditions. These features are crucial, especially in urban environments where wind flow around buildings can present unique challenges for pilots. As Simi noted, "These high-fidelity simulators are designed to be a digital twin of our aircraft, providing us a means of compliance and a robust tool to help prepare our pilots for the unique demands of high-volume operations in urban environments."

The arrival of the first simulator at Joby’s expanded manufacturing and pilot training center in Marina, California, is just the beginning. The company expects to install the second full-motion simulator later this year, allowing for a significant expansion of its pilot training pipeline. Together, these two simulators will ultimately support the training of up to 250 pilots annually, enhancing Joby's operational readiness as it aims to launch its air taxi service.

The development of these simulators has been a multi-year endeavor that involved rigorous testing and collaboration across various Joby facilities in California and Costa Rica. This commitment to innovation and quality aligns with the FAA's stringent flight simulator qualification standards, ensuring that Joby is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

As Joby Aviation moves closer to launching its electric air taxi service, the acceptance of its first flight simulator represents a pivotal moment in the company's journey. With the support of CAE and cutting-edge training technology, Joby is not only preparing its pilots for the upcoming operational demands but also setting a benchmark for the future of urban air mobility. This strategic advancement signals a promising future for both Joby and the burgeoning eVTOL market.