TLDR
- Joby Aviation stock jumped 5% after joining the White House Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program
- Company currently in phase 4 of 5 for FAA type certification with testing expected in early 2026
- JOBY shares up over 80% year-to-date, outperforming transportation sector peers
- Strategic partnerships include $125 million Blade deal and Uber app integration
- First conforming aircraft expected to be completed this year
Joby Aviation shares rose 5% Friday morning following the company’s selection for the White House eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. The electric air taxi developer announced its participation in the federal initiative through a Thursday press release.
The program was established by presidential directive in June 2025. It aims to test electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in real-world scenarios before full FAA certification.
Joby will evaluate passenger transportation, cargo delivery, and emergency response use cases. The company works directly with the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration under this framework.
This arrangement could accelerate Joby’s path to commercial operations. Traditional certification processes typically require full approval before revenue-generating flights begin.
The air taxi company has logged over 40,000 flight miles across its fleet. Joby completed 600 test flights in 2025 alone, demonstrating aircraft maturity.
Certification Progress Advances
Joby sits in stage four of the five-phase FAA Type Certification process. This positions the company ahead of most eVTOL competitors seeking commercial approval.
The company expects to complete its first conforming aircraft this year. FAA pilot testing will commence in early 2026 as part of the certification timeline.
Federal agencies will collect operational data through the pilot program. This information will guide future regulations for the emerging air taxi industry.
The initiative will help coordinate federal, state, and local operating standards. Unified regulations across jurisdictions remain crucial for widespread deployment.
Strategic Deals Fuel Growth
Joby has secured multiple commercial agreements strengthening its market position. The company signed a $125 million contract with Blade for air taxi services.
Integration with Uber’s app creates another distribution channel for future operations. This partnership provides access to millions of potential customers worldwide.
These deals validate commercial demand for air taxi services beyond regulatory milestones. Market interest continues growing as operational dates approach.
JOBY shares have gained more than 80% year-to-date. This performance outpaces broader transportation and aerospace sector returns by wide margins.
The company’s market capitalization currently stands at $11.71 billion. Daily trading volume averages 33.4 million shares as investor interest remains high.
Technical Outlook Remains Positive
Technical indicators show buy signals for JOBY stock. The year-to-date performance reflects strong institutional and retail investor confidence.
However, analysts don’t expect profitability until 2031. The stock remains speculative until revenue generation begins at scale.
The pilot program selection validates investor optimism with concrete regulatory support. Joby expects FAA pilot testing to begin early next year as certification advances.
Flight testing involving FAA pilots is scheduled to start in early 2026 as the company moves toward commercial air taxi operations.
