Joby soars: electric taxis take flight in manhattan
Joby Aviation is conducting electric taxi flights between JFK Airport and Manhattan this week, showcasing its quiet, zero-emission aircraft in a city grappling with persistent noise pollution. This marks the first direct electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) route in New York City, according to Joby.
A first for the big apple
The demonstration flights, utilizing existing helicopter routes operated by Joby’s Blade Urban Air Mobility division, feature pilots but no passengers. This initiative is fueled by a new federal program designed to accelerate the integration of eVTOLs into the US airspace. Joby anticipates commencing passenger service in New York, Texas, and Florida by mid-year, according to CEO JoeBen Bevirt – a timeline that’s seen previous revisions.
The company, still awaiting FAA certification for its aircraft, is leveraging this opportunity to generate awareness amongst New York residents. Over the next 10 days, it will operate multiple flights between JFK and VIP Blade lounges in Hudson Yards and East 34th Street, as well as to a downtown helipad. A public demonstration Monday showcased the blue and white aircraft following its landing and the subtle hum of its electric motors as it prepared for another takeoff.
Sound of the future
“Our goal with this aircraft is, fundamentally, to make its cost eventually comparable to Uber today – to get people to their destination five to ten times faster and with greater safety than helicopters or even driving,” stated Paul Sciarra, CEO of Joby. “With this flight, we have the chance to begin demonstrating that.” Joby claims its aircraft are “one hundred times quieter” than helicopters, producing a “whistle-like sound” that integrates seamlessly with the urban environment and dissipates quickly with distance.
Rising complaints, rising concerns
New York City has seen a significant surge in noise complaints related to helicopter services over the past few years, peaking at 59,000 calls to 311 in 2023 – a dramatic increase from 3,300 in 2019. Last year’s fatal helicopter accident involving a Siemens AG executive and his family further intensified scrutiny of the industry’s safety record. Joby emphasizes its aircraft’s enhanced redundancy – featuring six independent electric motors and three flight computers – as a key differentiator.
Blade’s perspective
“Most helicopters were originally designed for military, petrochemical, and public services use, not for passengers,” explained Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of Blade. “It’s sometimes like seeing a passenger climb onto a concrete mixer. When someone boards a Joby, it feels like stepping into a carefully designed automobile.”
The Department of Transportation’s selection of companies like Joby for a pilot program, aimed at enabling cities to develop infrastructure and familiarize the public with the Technology, represents a pivotal step. However, the proliferation of helicopters for tourism, charter flights, and passenger transport has undeniably exacerbated the issue of noise pollution in New York City’s environs.