Joby-Toyota JV, Electra’s $850M plant and Dubai’s certified vertiport firm up advanced air mobility ramp
Advanced Air Mobility’s manufacturing base hardened in a five-week burst through late June into August. California’s Joby Aviation and Toyota launched the initial phase of a manufacturing joint venture, majority-owned by Toyota. The venture carries $250 million of planned investment tied to certification and funding milestones. Joby is targeting four aircraft a month in 2027. Capacity is doubling across its Marina, California and Dayton, Ohio facilities.
July also saw Manassas, Virginia-based Electra commit $850 million to a Springfield, Ohio plant for its nine-passenger hybrid-electric EL9. Output ramps to 400 aircraft a year in phase one and 800 at full build-out. Each EL9 carries eight Evolito axial-flux electric motors on its blown-lift wing. First flight is expected in late 2027 or early 2028.