Coordinating with the authorities of individual regions the possibility of operating electric-powered aircraft, their developers are primarily focused on creating an air taxi service that would help clients who value their time avoid traffic jams in megacities. New York was no exception; Joby Aviation recently made a test flight there on a prototype.

Let us recall that this startup is creating a passenger aircraft with six propellers, two of which can change the vertical position of the axis to a horizontal one to create additional thrust when moving parallel to the surface of the earth at altitude. This electric aircraft takes off and lands vertically, which greatly simplifies its operation in dense urban areas.

Joby Aviation began test flights of its prototypes in California this summer after receiving approval from federal aviation regulators. In October, an aircraft of this brand took off for the first time with a person on board, who controlled it directly from the prototype cabin, and not remotely. During testing in New York, the prototype flew around Manhattan. In the future, as part of a joint initiative with Delta Airlines, it is planned to establish regular passenger flights from Manhattan to JFK Airport. Using a direct air route allows you to get from one point to another in just seven minutes, versus 49 minutes when driving by taxi in relatively favorable traffic conditions.

The partners are going to establish air transportation on a regular basis as early as 2025; by that time, the municipality of New York will bring the power lines necessary for charging electric planes to the helipad in Manhattan. The advantages of this type of transport include the absence of harmful emissions during operation and a lower noise level compared to classic helicopters. The Joby Aviation aircraft will be able to carry up to four passengers, and the flights promise to be not very burdensome in terms of cost.