Flying Taxis: A new chapter in Ohio’s aviation history
Image: Joby Aviation
A new chapter is being written in Ohio’s rich history of aviation with a major investment in the emerging electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) space.
California’s Joby Aviation recently announced plans to open an electric air taxi manufacturing facility in Ohio to build, test, and fly all-electric eVTOLs in the state. Joby’s Ohio investment is worth more than $477 million.
Here’s what you need to know
By the Numbers
Where in Ohio: Dayton International Airport
Investment: $477.5 million (at least)
Jobs Created: 2,000 (up to)
Production: 500 aircraft per year
Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in 2024 and the facility will come online in 2025
Joby, an early innovator in the eVTOL space, sees a key use case in getting people to and from airports more quickly by avoiding road traffic, and the company plans to create a global aerial ridesharing network.
Joby and Delta Air Lines have outlined a vision for an air taxi service that could begin as soon as 2025 at LaGuardia and JFK airports in New York and at Los Angeles International Airport.
Joby’s Air Taxis
Passengers: 4 plus a pilot
Top speed: 200 mph
Range: 100 miles
Highlights: Electric-powered and significantly quieter than helicopters
Why Ohio
Dayton and Ohio’s aviation legacy is as old as the industry itself. Wilbur and Orville Wright designed the aircraft for their famous first flight in Dayton and later built America's first airplane factory in the city in 1910.
Dayton is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base which employs more than 30,000 people - the largest single site employer in Ohio. Also headquartered in the region is the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory which has played a key role in supporting Joby’s development.
What they’re saying:
"Ohio’s legacy in aviation leadership begins with the Wright Brothers and continues now with Joby Aviation, as they launch a new era in advanced aviation manufacturing and aerial mobility in Dayton. The aircraft that will roll off Joby Ohio’s production lines will redefine urban transportation and contribute to a transformational change in the way people and goods travel. We welcome Joby and celebrate the new chapter of air mobility history that will be made here in Ohio, the Heart of Aviation and Aerospace.”
- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
“Ohio has a long, rich history in aviation, and we’re proud to bring the next chapter of that story to life in the place where it all started. As one of the top states in the country for aviation manufacturing and innovation, Ohio will play an important role in the future of our industry, and we’re looking forward to growing our team here.”
- JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation
