Electric Air Taxis Near Factory Era as Joby Expands

Joby Aviation’s Ohio factory push signals a shift from electric flight testing to large scale production readiness

20 Jan 2026

Electric aviation in the US is moving from aircraft testing towards industrial preparation, as Joby Aviation expands its manufacturing footprint ahead of expected regulatory approvals.

The California-based company has acquired a 700,000 sq ft aerospace manufacturing facility near Dayton, Ohio, signalling confidence that electric air taxis are approaching commercial deployment. While certification of Joby’s electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft is still underway, the move suggests that manufacturing readiness is becoming as important as flight performance.

The decision reflects a broader shift across the sector. Early development has focused on proving that electric aircraft can fly quietly, safely and with low emissions. Attention is now turning to whether companies can manufacture aircraft consistently and at scale, a requirement regulators and future customers are expected to scrutinise closely.

By opting for an existing aerospace facility rather than constructing a new plant, Joby is seeking to reduce timelines and execution risk. The company has said the Ohio site will support a rapid production ramp once approvals are secured, giving it flexibility to scale output in line with demand.

Dayton’s long-standing role in US aviation underpins the strategy. The region offers an experienced workforce, established suppliers and proximity to research institutions with deep links to the aerospace industry. The choice suggests that the next phase of electric aviation may rely on traditional industrial centres rather than emerging clean technology hubs alone.

The competitive implications are significant. Rivals including Archer Aviation and Beta Technologies continue to advance their own electric aircraft programmes, but all face the challenge of building reliable, certifiable manufacturing systems. Securing production capacity early could allow Joby to support pilot services, respond to regulatory requirements and scale more quickly once commercial operations are permitted.

Regulators are also paying closer attention to manufacturing processes. Beyond aircraft design, authorities are expected to assess whether companies can produce aircraft at rate while maintaining safety and quality standards, making industrial capability a potential point of differentiation.

The approach carries financial risk. Expanding manufacturing capacity before revenue-generating operations begin increases costs, while supply chains for batteries and electric propulsion systems remain constrained. Even so, Joby’s move underscores a shift in emphasis across the industry.

As new facilities come online and production plans take shape, electric aviation is entering a more mature phase. The debate is moving from whether electric air taxis can fly to how quickly they can be integrated into everyday transport once approvals are granted.