Joby partners to expand vertiport network
Joby Aviation announced a partnership with Metropolis Technologies to build a network of vertiports that could support its electric air taxi service across the United States.
Details of the partnership
The collaboration will target 25 vertiport locations, drawing on Metropolis’s portfolio of more than 4,200 parking facilities. Those sites will be chosen for their suitability to electric vertical take‑off and landing (eVTOL) operations, according to the companies’ statements.
Metropolis will apply its existing technology suite—including biometric verification, computer‑vision monitoring and baggage‑handling services—to the new hubs. The first rollout will see its “Bags VIP” offering integrated with Blade Urban Air Mobility, a subsidiary that already provides helicopter flights between Manhattan and the region’s major airports.
Joby’s aircraft and production plans
The firm’s eVTOL model, the Joby S4, is designed for one pilot and up to four passengers. It can travel roughly 240 kilometres on a single charge and cruise at about 320 km/h. Noise levels are projected to be considerably lower than those of conventional helicopters.
Prototype production is underway at the Marina, California facility. A second plant in Dayton, Ohio, is slated to begin operations, with the capacity to build four air taxis per month beginning in 2027. Certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration remains pending, but the firm aims to launch commercial service in 2026, including a trial in Dubai.
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What the network could mean for travelers
Connecting vertiports to existing parking assets may turn city streets into multi‑modal hubs, allowing passengers to park a car, board an air taxi, and continue to their destination without changing transportation modes. For commuters in congested corridors, that could shave off tens of minutes that would otherwise be spent in traffic or handling airport security.
Metropolis’s involvement also suggests a broader trend of repurposing established infrastructure for emerging mobility solutions. By embedding eVTOL services within familiar parking locations, the companies hope to lower entry barriers for users who might otherwise be hesitant about new aerial transport options.
Blade’s VIP baggage handling will initially support the helicopter service, but the arrangement is expected to expand to include the electric air taxis once they become operational. The combined offering aims to provide a seamless experience from curbside to sky, aligning with the firms’ vision of integrated urban travel.
Regulatory work will focus on safety protocols, noise mitigation and community impact assessments. Local authorities will be consulted to address concerns and to streamline site approvals.
While the partnership outlines a clear path for vertiport development, the timeline for FAA approval and large‑scale deployment remains uncertain. The next steps will involve detailed site assessments, regulatory compliance work, and coordination with local authorities to ensure safety and community acceptance.
