Joby Aviation Takes Major Step Towards Commercialization with Power-On Testing

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a pioneer in the development of electric air taxis, has announced a significant advancement in its journey towards commercial operations. On November 5, 2025, the company revealed that it has commenced power-on testing of its first FAA-conforming aircraft, marking a pivotal moment in the Type Certification process mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This announcement is a testament to Joby’s decade-long commitment to engineering excellence and regulatory compliance, setting the stage for the next phases of aircraft testing and eventual commercial launch.

The Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) testing is an essential component of the FAA Type Certification process, which ensures that aircraft meet stringent safety and performance standards before they can be used for commercial purposes. With the initiation of power-on testing, Joby is poised to carry out thousands of hardware and software integration tests, leading up to “for credit” flight testing with FAA test pilots. This rigorous assessment will validate the aircraft’s design and ensure that it meets all necessary regulations.

Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “Beginning this aircraft subsystem testing is the culmination of more than a decade of focused engineering and certification refinements.” He further noted that this achievement represents a convergence of Joby's type design, manufacturing process, and certification strategy, reinforcing the company’s capability to produce a safe and reliable aircraft.

Joby’s first TIA-ready aircraft has been built in accordance with its established quality management system, adhering to FAA-approved test plans. Each aircraft will incorporate FAA-conforming components, meticulously designed and inspected to meet the highest standards of airworthiness. This careful attention to detail underscores Joby’s commitment to safety and reliability, which will be critical as it moves closer to commercial operations.

As Joby moves forward with its testing program, several key areas will be evaluated during the TIA phase:

The data collected during these tests will be pivotal for the FAA's final determination regarding the issuance of Type Certification, which is essential for Joby to operate its aircraft commercially.

In conjunction with this milestone announcement, Joby Aviation is set to release its third-quarter financial results later today. Investors and stakeholders will be keen to assess the company's financial health and operational progress during this critical phase of development. A live webcast will be held at 5:00 PM ET, providing further insights into the company’s performance and future prospects.

Joby Aviation is committed to revolutionizing transportation with its all-electric vertical take-off and landing air taxi service. The company aims to provide a fast, quiet, and convenient air transport solution in urban settings, while also selling its aircraft to operators and partners worldwide. As the urban air mobility market continues to evolve, Joby’s advancements in aircraft testing and certification place it at the forefront of this transformative industry.

In summary, Joby Aviation's commencement of power-on testing is a landmark achievement that not only highlights the company's engineering prowess but also brings it closer to realizing its vision of electric air taxis in urban environments. As the FAA certification process unfolds, all eyes will be on Joby to see how it navigates these final stages toward commercialization.