World’s First Flying Taxi Just Took Off, And It Could Replace Your Uber

Joby Aviation has made history. The California-based company successfully completed the first-ever piloted flight of an all-electric air taxi between two public airports in the United States, marking a decisive step toward commercializing clean, quiet air mobility.

The aircraft lifted off from Marina Municipal Airport and landed 12 minutes later at Monterey Regional Airport, covering 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers).

“This flight demonstrates how ready our system is to operate within the broader transportation network, and to begin commercial service from day one,” said Didier Papadopoulos, Joby’s Head of Aircraft Manufacturing.

Path to Commercial Certification

The flight marks a crucial milestone in Joby’s bid for certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which requires demonstration flights between airports to ensure safety in shared airspace. Joby has already logged tens of thousands of miles in test flights, and is now assembling its first production aircraft to undergo FAA pilot testing, the final stage before formal approval.

Growing Competition

Competition is heating up. Rival Archer Aviation has inked contracts worth up to $1.5 billion with United Airlines and plans to launch operations in Abu Dhabi before the end of the year. Joby, for its part, is aiming to debut in Dubai in early 2026, followed by U.S. rollouts in Los Angeles and New York, promising to slash travel times between city centers and airports.

Pricing the Future of Flight

Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry four passengers and one pilot. Estimated fares are expected to start at around $3 per mile, roughly on par with Uber Black. A trip between Manhattan and JFK Airport (about 16 miles) would cost around $48–$50, competitive with premium car rides.

Looking Ahead

Quiet, emissions-free, and designed for urban skies, Joby’s aircraft promises to transform the way people move around cities. If certification continues on schedule, the not-so-distant future may see skies above major metropolitan areas buzzing with a new fleet of flying taxis, offering travelers a fast, sustainable alternative to traditional transport.