Joby Aviation is poised to establish its eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) production hub in Dayton, Ohio. This announcement coincides with the celebration of Dayton’s illustrious aviation history as the birthplace of powered flight, where the Wright brothers achieved their historic milestone 120 years ago.
Joby Aviation, with substantial financial support from influential backers like Intel, JetBlue, and Toyota, has been steadily advancing toward becoming a fully certified eVTOL aircraft manufacturer since 2018. Recently, the company achieved a pivotal milestone by rolling out its first production prototype in June, following more than 30,000 miles of successful flights with its pre-production eVTOL prototype. With FAA certification secured for test flights of these production models, Joby is now poised to transition into full-scale eVTOL production, necessitating an expanded production facility.
Joby Aviation officially unveiled its plan to establish a prominent presence in Dayton, Ohio, a city steeped in aviation history. The company, in collaboration with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and local officials, hosted a landmark event at Hawthorn Hill, which was once home to Orville Wright. The event was graced by a ceremonial flypast featuring a replica Model “B” Flyer, a symbolic gesture marking the dawn of a new era in aviation manufacturing.
Joby Aviation’s eVTOLs represent a remarkable evolution from the modest beginnings of aviation pioneered by the Wright brothers. These electric aircraft are capable of carrying a pilot and up to four passengers, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph. They hold the potential to offer efficient and sustainable urban transportation solutions.
To expedite the commencement of operations in Dayton, Joby plans to repurpose existing nearby facilities while concurrently constructing a state-of-the-art eVTOL production facility on a sprawling 140-acre site. This site selection is deliberate, allowing for future expansion and accommodating up to 2 million square feet of manufacturing space. In its initial phase, the facility aims to produce up to 500 eVTOL aircraft annually and create approximately 2,000 jobs within Ohio.
In a show of support for this ambitious venture, Ohio and JobsOhio have extended incentives and benefits totaling up to an impressive $325 million. In tandem, Joby Aviation is committed to infusing its own capital, with an investment projected to reach $500 million. Additionally, Joby recently received an invitation from the US Department of Energy to submit a Part II Application for financing under the Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program. This program provides access to low-interest loans for clean energy projects, further bolstering the scaling efforts.
Governor Mike DeWine conveyed his enthusiasm for Ohio’s enduring legacy in aviation, emphasizing that “The aircraft that will roll off Joby Ohio’s production lines will redefine urban transportation and contribute to a fundamental change in the way people and goods travel. We welcome Joby and celebrate the new chapter of air mobility history that will be made in Ohio, the Heart of Aviation.”
Construction of Joby’s Dayton facility is anticipated to commence in 2024, with eVTOL production scheduled to commence in 2025. Toyota, a key partner, is actively engaged in advising Joby on the design and implementation of assembly lines for scaled eVTOL production in Ohio. The company is already making preparations for local hiring in the coming months.
