Joby Aviation Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) has started flight testing its first aircraft built to Federal Aviation Administration conforming standards for Type Inspection Authorization, the company announced. The aircraft, designated N547JX, represents the initial unit in a fleet being constructed to support TIA testing requirements.

The Santa Cruz, California-based electric air taxi developer said FAA pilots are expected to begin conducting TIA flight testing at Joby's Marina, California facility later this year. The testing phase is required to validate the aircraft for commercial passenger service as part of the type certification process.

"Seeing this aircraft fly means everything to our team," said Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby. "After focusing on 'for credit' testing at both the equipment and system levels, we're now moving into the final phase of aircraft-level evaluations."

The aircraft was assembled using airframes and components built to FAA Designated Engineering Representative-approved designs and certified by FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives, according to the company's FAA-approved test plans.

The announcement follows the U.S. government's recent approval for mature aircraft designs to begin early operations through the White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. Joby has clearance to fly in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah under this program.

Joby completed an expanded manufacturing facility in Marina, California in 2025 and began propeller blade production in Ohio. The company acquired a 700,000 square-foot facility in Dayton, Ohio to support production plans of four aircraft per month by 2027. The Dayton facilities are designed to eventually support delivery of up to 500 aircraft annually.

The company develops all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxis for commercial passenger service, according to the press release statement.