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Joby, Port Authority Fly First Zero-Emission eVTOL Taxi

4/28/2026

Summary

Joby Aviation Demo

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Joby Aviation performed the first electric vertical takeoff and landing air-taxi demo, flying from JFK to Manhattan heliports and back on Monday.
The battery-powered eVTOL emitted no emissions and was 100 times quieter than a helicopter.
The eVTOL carried four passengers, a pilot and luggage, stopping at 30th Street heliport and Downtown Skyport in Wall Street before returning to JFK.

Summary

Joby Secures Funding

Delta Air Lines pledged up to $200 million in equity while Toyota Motor Corp. contributed $894 million for Joby’s eVTOL development.
Joby’s 2025 acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business gave it access to infrastructure that served over 90,000 passengers.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said the agency will test next-generation aviation technology, despite Joby’s 2026 Form 10-K citing certification delays, supply-chain reliance and market competition as risks.

Summary

FAA selects eVTOLs

The FAA’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) selected eight projects across 26 states, with New York demonstration slated to begin in September.
Fox News Digital sought comment from Joby Aviation after social-media users on its X account posted mixed reactions, praising epic views and requesting rides.
Vaughn College will train a workforce for the eIPP and eVTOL operations, adding an educational component to the rollout.

Summary

Joby Noise Test

Residents have logged tens of thousands of 311 complaints about helicopter noise, prompting officials to cite the Joby eVTOL’s 45-decibel level, roughly half conventional choppers.
Blade’s Hudson Yards heliport, used for the test flight, is in the NYC Economic Development Corporation’s plan to electrify municipal heliports.
FAA officials are monitoring the low-noise claims under the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, which could allow landings in sites previously barred for noisy helicopters.

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Joby Aviation Demo

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Joby Aviation performed the first electric vertical takeoff and landing air-taxi demo, flying from JFK to Manhattan heliports and back on Monday.
The battery-powered eVTOL emitted no emissions and was 100 times quieter than a helicopter.
The eVTOL carried four passengers, a pilot and luggage, stopping at 30th Street heliport and Downtown Skyport in Wall Street before returning to JFK.

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