USAF Service Members Complete Joby’s Electric Aircraft Maintenance Training
On December 5, 2024, Joby Aviation, Inc. announced the successful completion of a training program with the U.S. Air Force focused on maintaining its electric aircraft. Joby, a leader in developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, continues to advance its collaboration with the military, highlighting the readiness and reliability of its innovative electric aviation technology.
“We’re pleased to have successfully completed another engagement with the U.S. Air Force, providing the government with a technical overview of electric aircraft maintenance operations while we received feedback from experienced service members to further hone our in-house maintenance training program,” said Bonny Simi, President of Operations at Joby.
Joby Aviation, Inc. announced the completion of a four-week maintenance training program with the U.S. Air Force under its AFWERX Agility Prime contract. The program trained Air Force service members, including a flight test pilot and aircraft maintainers, on inspecting and maintaining Joby’s electric aircraft. Held at Joby’s flight test and manufacturing facilities in Marina, California, the training utilized Joby’s Aircraft Maintenance Manual, developed as part of its progress toward FAA type certification. The program combined classroom instruction with hands-on experience, including inspections and pre-flight checks on Joby’s production prototype aircraft.
In April 2023, Joby Aviation announced that four U.S. Air Force pilots successfully completed training and became the first Air Force personnel to operate an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as sole remote pilot-in-command. They navigated the full flight envelope, including the critical transition from vertical to wingborne flight.
Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph. It delivers high-speed mobility with significantly less noise than helicopters and operates with zero emissions, positioning it as a revolutionary solution for sustainable urban air mobility.
About Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. Joby aims to offer fast, quiet, and convenient air mobility services in cities worldwide. Learn more at www.jobyaviation.com.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) serves as the primary research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL leads the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace. With over 12,500 employees and a global presence, AFRL manages a diverse portfolio of science and technology initiatives, spanning from foundational research to advanced development. Visit www.afresearchlab.com for more information.
About AFWERX
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and a directorate within AFRL, connects small businesses and startups to tackle the DAF’s most critical challenges. With a $1.4 billion annual budget and a team of 370 personnel across five hubs, AFWERX has awarded over 6,200 contracts worth $4.7 billion since 2019. These efforts bolster the U.S. defense industrial base and accelerate technology transitions for operational capability. Learn more at www.afwerx.com.
