A company focused on electric air taxis, which have been compared to vehicles from “The Jetsons,” is looking to start commercial flights soon. Joby Aviation, the firm in question, aims to receive federal approval and launch passenger services by early 2026. They’ve garnered interest from major players like Uber, Toyota, and Delta.
The sleek four-passenger aircraft known as eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) can ascend and descend vertically, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph. Interestingly, a California-based aerospace firm showcased a prototype at Grand Central Station, claiming it could transport passengers from Lower Manhattan to JFK Airport in under seven minutes.
However, some political clouds are on the horizon. Detractors, particularly among Republicans, have raised concerns about Joby’s financial connections to Reed Hoffman, who supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 campaign and was involved in financial backing for legal actions against Trump.
A source indicated that directly lobbying the White House could be challenging, considering the perceived associations with those who funded anti-Trump lawsuits. Another insider mentioned worries over Joby’s associations, further complicating their political ties.
A spokesperson for Joby responded to the criticism, emphasizing that the company is purely American and a leader in electric aviation, stressing their robust workforce of over 2,000 engineers across 40 states. They assured that progress reflects engineering accomplishments rather than political affiliations, including being the first to provide air taxis to the Department of Defense.
Joby entered the public market nearly four years ago, led by the merger with a company co-founded by Hoffman, who remains a significant stakeholder with over 30 million shares.
During the 2024 election cycle, Hoffman donated over $7 million to a pro-Harris super PAC and helped provide support for lawsuits against Trump. A new board member, Michael Thompson, who has also donated to pro-Trump efforts, echoed optimism about Joby’s future, suggesting they could pioneer a new transportation era. He reflected on the historical significance of aviation moments in American history, emphasizing hopes of replicating such events this year.
Other notable companies in the eVTOL space include Beta Technology and Archer Airlines. As for the White House, FAA, and the Department of Transportation, they have yet to comment on the unfolding situation.
