Ohio will work with Joby Aviation Inc. to build electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) electric aircraft, ushering in a new age of flight. The historic deal, unveiled on Monday, represents a significant advancement in the transformation of urban transportation.
Republican Governor Mike DeWine stated his excitement for the initiative and emphasized how air taxis can influence the direction of transportation in the future.
"We find this very, very exciting - not only for the direct jobs and indirect jobs it's going to create, but like Intel, it's a signal to people that Ohio is looking to the future. This is a big deal for us," he said, as quoted by AP News.
The use of eVTOL planes to transfer people from roofs and parking garages is growing worldwide. While there are still concerns regarding noise levels and charging stations, developers are getting closer to the day when eVTOLs are a common form of transportation.
A monument to Ohio's long aviation history is Joby Aviation's choice to build its first scaled-up production plant on a 140-acre parcel of land near Dayton International Airport. Ohio's closeness to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the AFRL boosts its aviation innovation.
Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted said that the Dayton region has served as "a pioneer in aviation innovation" for a century. "But capturing a large-scale manufacturer of aircraft has always eluded the local economy there. With this announcement, that aspiration has been realized," he said as quoted in the report.
A formal flypast of a replica of the Wright Model B Flyer followed Joby's official announcement at Orville Wright's home, Hawthorn Hill, to acknowledge the historical significance.
A pilot and four passengers may be transported in Joby's production aircraft at top speeds of 200 mph and a maximum range of 100 miles. Notably, these aircraft produce little noise, which makes them appropriate for urban settings. Starting in 2025, it is intended to include them in aerial ridesharing networks.
Ohio is both the #BirthplaceOfAviation & the future of aviation! Read why @JobyAviation picked Ohio as the home of their new, 2,000-job manufacturing facility in the @DaytonDailyNews: https://t.co/8fhZUKjUgP
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) September 18, 2023
Joby Targeting Expansion
According to Dayton Daily News, with the completion of the second of five necessary steps, Joby has made significant progress toward receiving Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for its eVTOL aircraft for commercial passenger usage. The business has a production plant operating already in Marina, California, and has ambitions to expand it close to Dayton International Airport.
Toyota, a long-term investor in Joby, and Delta Airlines have backed the partnership. Joby's collaborations have helped it raise $700 million, according to reports.
Joby reported a net loss of $286 million for the second quarter of 2023, but as of June 30, the business had $1.2 billion in cash and short-term investments, maintaining a healthy liquidity position.
Future Meets Past
Jobs Ohio, the state, and localities are offering up to $325 million in incentives and benefits for the facility's development. Joby intends to expand its business in Ohio by investing up to $500 million. The company has also been encouraged by the US Department of Energy to submit a Part II application for Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program funding to assist facility growth.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, stated, "We're building the future of aviation right where it all started, in Dayton, Ohio... Our partnership with Ohio is a great example of how successful public-private collaboration can bring important new technology to life," according to a report from Business Wire.
