Flying taxis in Ohio, the new plan launched by Governor Mike DeWine
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The planes built by the facility, electric vertical take-off and landing air taxis, are planned to be operated as part of aerial ride-sharing networks worldwide
State officials, including Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted, announced that a Joby Aviation electric air taxi manufacturing facility will be built at Dayton International Airport.
According to the master plan , the facility will create 2,000 jobs in the area and is expected to produce up to 500 aircraft per year. Joby Aviation will invest at least $477 million in construction of the facility.
“Ohio's legacy in aviation leadership begins with the Wright Brothers and continues now with Joby Aviation, while launch a new era in advanced aviation manufacturing and air mobility in Dayton,” DeWine said.
Officials said the site facility “will build, test and fly all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis that will be predominantly used for commercial passenger operations.”
Today is an exciting day for the Miami Valley and Ohio! @jobyaviation new electric air taxi manufacturing facility will create 2,000 new jobs. From the Wright Brothers to Joby, Ohio is the Heart of Aviation! https://t.co/SJukki6ayk pic.twitter.com/Cj9WA6F5HA
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) September 18, 2023
The electric air taxi will be intended to carry a pilot and four passengers, and reach speeds of up to 200 mph over a range of 100 miles, officials said.
Joby plans to invest at least $477.5 million dollars and manufacture up to 500 vehicles a year, according to officials. The factory will open in 2025 and construction will begin next year.
“Ohio has a long and rich history in aviation, and we are proud to bring the next chapter of that story to life in the place where it all began. As one of the nation's leading states for aviation manufacturing and innovation, Ohio will play an important role in the future of our industry and we look forward to growing our team here,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.
The Federal Aviation Administration granted Joby Aviation a Special Airworthiness Certificate in June, allowing the company to begin flight testing its eVTOL aircraft prototype.
Last year, Delta Air Lines announced a partnership with Joby for a “one-of-a-kind deal” to provide customers in New York and Los Angeles with “home-to-airport transportation service” using an eVTOL aircraft.
Toyota worked with Joby to design and launch the company's pilot production line in California. The company will advise Joby when it begins manufacturing the air tax in Ohio, Joby announced.