Joby Aviation Inc (NYSE:JOBY) has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in a move that would allow it to eventually commence its electric air-taxi operations.
The US start-up received an air carrier certification from the FAA on May 26 under Part 135 rules, allowing it to operate commercial air taxi flights using small aircraft.
A FAA certificate is one of three regulatory approvals needed by the California-based company to launch a planned all-electric ride-sharing service in 2024.
The certification will allow Joby to operate its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as an air taxi service in cities and communities throughout the United States.
Joby reported a net loss of US$62.3mln in this year's first quarter, citing costs associated with aircraft certification and early manufacturing operations.
The all-electric aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers up to 150 miles on a single charge at speeds up to 200 mph.
Joby recently announced that its aircraft met its target for low noise emissions during take-off and landing, as well as overhead flight, during acoustic tests with NASA.
The company reportedly received the FAA certification ahead of schedule.
Joby's initial cadre of pilots was required to demonstrate mastery of procedures and training under FAA supervision as part of the five-stage approval process.
The firm previously announced a partnership with aviation training leader CAE for the purpose of developing and qualifying flight simulator training devices to be used to train commercial pilots to fly its eVTOL aircraft.