Electric Air Taxi Manufacturer Plans to Double U.S. Production Capacity by 2027

Joby Aviation announced plans to double its manufacturing capacity in the United States to support production of four electric air taxis per month by 2027. The expansion reflects growing demand for advanced air mobility solutions and positions the company to scale operations across facilities in California and Ohio as the sector moves closer to commercial service.

The announcement comes amid unprecedented support for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The company has disclosed more than $1 billion in potential aircraft and service sales, while the U.S. government’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program aims to accelerate air taxi operations. A presidential executive order directed the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration to enable mature eVTOL aircraft to begin operations in select markets as early as next year, ahead of receiving full FAA certification.

Advanced Aviation Manufacturing Gains Momentum

The expansion demonstrates how emerging aviation sectors are creating new manufacturing opportunities in the United States. Electric air taxi production requires specialized manufacturing capabilities including composite materials fabrication, electric propulsion system assembly, advanced battery integration, and precision component manufacturing. Companies scaling production in this sector must invest in equipment, facilities, and workforce development to meet quality standards required for aircraft certification.

In July, the company completed an expanded manufacturing facility in Marina, California. In October, propeller blade production began in Ohio ahead of planned manufacturing expansion in the state. To support increased output, the company has begun procuring capital equipment required to double manufacturing capacity and is hiring to support round-the-clock manufacturing operations.

The company reached a critical milestone on the path to certifying its aircraft for commercial use with the start of power-on testing of the first FAA-conforming aircraft built for Type Inspection Authorization. TIA testing is the final stage of the FAA Type Certification process, during which FAA test pilots will fly the aircraft. All four remaining FAA-conforming aircraft required for TIA testing are now in production.

For manufacturers considering opportunities in the advanced aviation sector, understanding certification requirements, production quality standards, and capital investment timelines is essential. Aircraft manufacturing requires rigorous quality control processes, detailed documentation systems, and workforce training programs that differ significantly from other manufacturing sectors. Our team helps manufacturers evaluate market opportunities in emerging sectors, plan capital investments, and manage the financial aspects of scaling production operations. s.

Strategic Partnerships Support Production Scale-Up

In May 2025, the company announced the successful closing of the first $250 million tranche of a strategic investment from Toyota Motor Corporation. The funding supports shared vision for the future of air mobility, and the two companies are working to finalize a strategic manufacturing alliance that will support production ramp-up.

Partnerships between aviation companies and established automotive manufacturers bring proven production methodologies to emerging aircraft sectors. Toyota’s manufacturing expertise in lean production, quality systems, and supply chain management translates effectively to aircraft production environments where consistency, efficiency, and quality control determine success.

Aerospace manufacturing employment has grown as companies invest in new aircraft programs and expand production capacity. The advanced air mobility sector represents a new category of aerospace manufacturing that combines elements of traditional aircraft production with automotive-style manufacturing processes suited to higher production volumes than conventional aircraft programs.

The shift toward electric propulsion in aviation creates opportunities for manufacturers producing battery systems, electric motors, power electronics, and related components. Companies with experience in electric vehicle components or industrial electric systems can adapt their capabilities to serve the growing advanced aviation market.

U.S. Manufacturing Capacity Supports Industry Growth

The decision to build production capacity in the United States reflects several strategic considerations. Domestic manufacturing reduces supply chain complexity, supports faster iteration during certification processes, and positions companies to respond quickly to regulatory requirements. For aircraft manufacturers working through FAA certification, proximity between engineering teams and production facilities accelerates problem-solving and design refinement.

Manufacturing four aircraft per month represents significant production volume for the advanced air mobility sector. Achieving this output level requires investment in tooling, fixtures, production equipment, and workforce training. Companies must also implement manufacturing execution systems that track parts, manage quality documentation, and ensure traceability throughout the production process.

The FAA certification process for new aircraft types involves extensive documentation of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and production controls. Aircraft manufacturers must demonstrate that production aircraft will match the performance and safety characteristics of test aircraft used during certification. This requirement creates demand for manufacturing engineering expertise, quality assurance professionals, and production control systems.

For manufacturers in Florida and throughout the Southeast, the growth of advanced aviation manufacturing creates potential opportunities to supply components, provide specialized manufacturing services, or develop capabilities in composite materials production and precision machining. Companies that can meet aerospace quality standards position themselves to participate in this emerging sector. Looking to strengthen your plant’s financial performance and long-term strategy? Our advisors help manufacturers manage margins, plan capital investments, and support profitable growth. Connect with our manufacturing team to discuss how to evaluate opportunities in growing sectors.

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Looking to strengthen your plant’s financial performance and long-term strategy? Our advisors help manufacturers manage margins, plan capital investments, and support profitable growth.

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