The annual list is compiled by Fast Company reporters and editors who survey thousands of enterprises around the world to identify the most notable innovators of the year.
Joby Aviation is a transportation company developing an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that it intends to operate as a commercial passenger aircraft beginning in 2024.
Following a decade spent developing a piloted eVTOL aircraft with more than 1,000 test flights conducted to date, Joby has been recognized by Fast Company as a leader with significant first-mover advantages in the emerging aerial ridesharing industry. Joby’s superior technology and strategic partnerships with leading companies such as Uber and Toyota set the company apart in the field as it continues advancing its mission to transform transportation with the introduction of a clean, quiet, and convenient aerial ridesharing service starting in 2024.
Following airworthiness approval by the U.S. Air Force and a certification basis agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), the Joby eVTOL aircraft is widely seen as the aircraft that will make air taxis a reality. Joby’s piloted aircraft, which can fly at least 150 miles on a single charge and can cruise at 200 mph, will bring to the public clean, quiet, and fast on-demand air travel for four-passenger journeys.
Aircraft Type | Normal category electric airplane that is capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) |
Seating | 5 seats: 1 pilot + 4 passengers |
Max Range | 150+ miles |
Maximum Cruise Speed | 174 knots/200 miles per hour |
Expected Noise Signature | 65 dBA at 110 yards / 100 meters (in a hover) |
Motors | Six (6) tiltable dual-redundant electric motor units |
Test Program | Over 1,000 flights flown across various prototypes |
The recognition by Fast Company comes as Joby prepares to merge with Reinvent Technology Partners, a special purpose acquisition company that takes a “venture capital at scale” approach to partnering with bold leaders and companies. Upon the closing of the transaction, the combined company will be named Joby Aviation, and become publicly traded, with its common stock expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
The honour by Fast Company is the latest accomplishment for Joby Aviation after a year of milestones. In 2020, Joby became the first to agree to a certification basis for an eVTOL aircraft with the FAA, shortly after receiving the U.S. Air Force’s first-ever airworthiness approval for an eVTOL aircraft.
Beyond demonstrating its technology superiority through the flight of its aircraft, Joby has solidified its leadership position by advancing its commercial readiness over the past year through new and enhanced partnerships. In December 2020, Joby acquired Uber Elevate, a division of Uber focused on the aerial ridesharing market, bringing to Joby key personnel and unique consumer demand insights. The acquisition built on Joby’s established relationship with Uber that will see their respective services integrated into each other’s consumer apps. Also in 2020 Joby formed a strategic partnership with Toyota to support high-volume manufacturing as it moves towards a 2024 commercial launch.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.
Fast Company’s editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses across the globe and industries. They also judged nominations received through their application process.
“In a year of unprecedented challenges, the companies on this list exhibit fearlessness, ingenuity, and creativity in the face of crisis,” said Fast Company Deputy Editor David Lidsky, who oversaw the issue with Senior Editor Amy Farley.
More top stories you might be interested in.....
