Joby demonstrated its electric air taxi in Manhattan, but public flights are not yet available.
The company flew the aircraft over New York City to showcase its potential for urban transportation. Aviation start-ups and the Trump administration aim to replace helicopters with quieter, electric aircraft.
These new vehicles must still pass rigorous testing before the public can use them. The demonstration flight took off from a heliport on the East Side of Manhattan.
It traveled a short route over the East River and returned for landing. The flight lasted only a few minutes and did not carry passengers.
Regulators require extensive safety and performance data before granting operational approval. Joby has completed many test flights but faces a long certification process.
The aircraft uses multiple rotors and is designed for vertical takeoff and landing, like a helicopter. It is intended for short flights between airports or from cities to suburbs.
Company officials hope to eventually operate a fleet of air taxis in major cities. They believe these vehicles will be quieter and more affordable than current helicopter services.
