In a significant move, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft startup Joby Aviation has partnered with Delta Airlines to deliver ‘home-to-airport’ transportation services to Delta customers starting in New York and Los Angeles. This innovative service will rely on a network of local vertiports to fly customers quickly and greenly to the airport.
Joby Aviation’s Partnership with Delta: A Seamless Experience
During a press briefing on Monday, the companies were sparse about certain details, such as when exactly they hope to launch this service, how much it might cost, and how many Joby eVTOL vehicles would be involved. However, they did share that the deal involved an upfront equity investment from Delta of $60 million, or about 2% stake in Joby, with an additional $200 million to come if certain unspecified milestones are met.
The partnership between Joby Aviation and Delta Airlines will allow customers to book a seat in one of Joby’s shared, five-seater aircraft to the airport through the Delta app or online. This service will be mutually exclusive in the U.S. and the U.K. for five years following commercial launch, with the possibility of extending that period.
Joby Aviation’s Four Hurdles to Commercialization
As part of the deal, Joby will operate the eVTOL service, but Delta will provide the airport infrastructure, one of the four hurdles Joby needs to jump in order to launch a commercial service. According to Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt, "That last piece is one of the reasons we’re so incredibly excited about the opportunity with Delta." He added that "Delta has invested billions of dollars in airport infrastructure and has really deep and important relationships with the airports in both New York and LA."
The other three hurdles that Joby needs to overcome are:
- Airworthiness certification: Joby Aviation’s eVTOL aircraft must be certified by regulatory authorities as airworthy.
- Air traffic management integration: The company must integrate its eVTOL aircraft with existing air traffic management systems.
- Operator certification: Joby Aviation must obtain operator certification from regulatory authorities.
Joby Aviation’s Contract with the US Air Force Expands
In related news, Joby Aviation’s contract with the US Air Force has expanded to include Marines. This is a significant development for the company, as it demonstrates its capabilities in delivering electric propulsion systems to military customers.
Delta Air Lines and eVTOL Technology: A Match Made in Heaven?
The partnership between Delta Airlines and Joby Aviation marks an exciting new chapter in the adoption of eVTOL technology. With Delta’s extensive network and Joby Aviation’s innovative aircraft, this collaboration has the potential to revolutionize air travel.
However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed before eVTOL technology can become a mainstream reality. These include regulatory hurdles, infrastructure development, and public acceptance.
Conclusion
The partnership between Delta Airlines and Joby Aviation is a significant milestone in the adoption of eVTOL technology. With its seamless experience and potential for cost savings, this collaboration has the potential to revolutionize air travel. However, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed before eVTOL technology can become a mainstream reality.
About the Author
Rebecca Bellan is a Senior Reporter covering transportation at TechCrunch. She’s interested in all things micromobility, EVs, AVs, smart cities, AI, sustainability, and more. Previously, she covered social media for Forbes.com, and her work has appeared in Bloomberg CityLab, The Atlantic, The Daily Beast, Mother Jones, i-D (Vice), and more.
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