A company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for passenger service, announced it plans to locate its first major aircraft production facility in Dayton, Ohio, the birthplace of aviation.
The Wright Brothers, who invented and flew the first powered aircraft in the U.S., lived and worked in Dayton and opened the first American airplane factory there in 1910.
Just miles away, Joby Aviation’s new facility will be capable of delivering up to 500 aircraft per year at the Dayton International Airport, supporting up to 2,000 new jobs.
The California based company plans to invest up to $500 million to pair with state incentives and a possible loan from the U.S. Department of Energy.
“We’re building the future of aviation right where it all started, in Dayton, Ohio,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby. “The Wright Brothers harnessed revolutionary technology of their time to open up the skies, and we intend to do the same—this time, bringing quiet and emissions-free flight that we hope will have an equally profound impact on our world.
Joby’s production aircraft is designed to transport a pilot plus four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (322-kph), with a maximum range of 100 miles and a “revolutionary quiet noise profile” that is barely audible against the backdrop of cities.
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The company hopes to redefine urban transportation by operating these aircraft as part of aerial ride-sharing networks in cities around the world, starting in 2025, building on partnerships with Delta and Uber.
Hiring Soon
Joby plans to start hiring in the coming months, with early roles expected to focus on the build out of the scaled facility and the machining of parts that will initially be incorporated into Joby’s California low-volume production line. Those interested in applying for roles at Joby’s Ohio facility can do it here at www.jobyinohio.com.
The company’s headquarters, research and development, and pilot production facility will remain in California. With 150 open positions across three Northern California sites, the flying car company continues to grow its presence in the state.
Toyota is a long-term investor in Joby and worked with them on the design and successful launch of their Pilot Production Line in Marina, California—and plans to continue to advise them on scaling production of the air taxi in the new Midwest location.
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Dayton is also home to the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories which has played a key role in supporting Joby’s development.
“Our partnership with Ohio is a great example of how successful public-private partnership amongst industry, local, state and federal government can bring important new technology to life,” said Joby CEO Bevirt.
“This will mark the largest aviation job creation deal in Ohio history,” said JobsOhio President J. P. Nauseef. “Today, we continue Ohio’s historic legacy as the past – the present – and the future of aviation innovation and further affirm we are in the midst of an economic renaissance of the American Midwest.”
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