Joby Just Took Off…Is Your Portfolio Still on the Runway?
Picture a hamster on a spinning wheel: that’s the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) world—everyone talking, no one flying commercially. Think Archer, Lilium, Beta, etc.
But today, Joby flies off that wheel
“The air taxi will introduce a new premium service for residents and visitors seeking smooth, fast, and safe travel to key destinations across the city. The service will also strengthen integration with public transport systems and individual mobility options such as e-scooters and bicycles, enabling seamless multimodal travel and enhanced connectivity across Dubai, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for all passengers”
They’ve flown piloted test flights in Dubai—real flights, not just cool YouTube clips. These aircraft whisk from vertical takeoff to winged cruise and back again, fully loaded with a pilot and four passengers. Think 200 mph + silent + zero emissions. That’s faster than your UberX, quieter than a whisper, cleaner than a Tesla. This isn’t sci‑fi—it’s happening now.
Dubai isn’t messing around. They’ve inked an exclusive six‑year deal, committed vertiport space at DXB and landmarks like Palm Jumeirah, and are fast‑tracking certs from their local civil aviation authorities. Add in Joby’s progress with the U.S. FAA Type Inspection Authorization—sound preparations for launch by late 2025 or early 2026.
Why this matters
Your next “flight” might literally be an eVTOL air taxi—flying over traffic at 200 mph, in a craft smaller than a Cessna, with zero emissions.
Global rollout is accelerating: Dubai > U.S. > major cities worldwide. They aim to build vertiports that link to subways, buses, scooters—all part of an aerial-ground commuter grid.
Investor impact: Joby’s stock has soared ~85% over the last year; market cap near $8 billion, cash-rich but burn-heavy uk.investing.com. It’s still unprofitable, but the door to real revenue is opening.
Reassess your flight—and portfolio—plans
Frequent flyers: that cross-city Uber ride? Soon, a 12‑minute vertiport-to-vertiport flight. Make peace with pricier, speedier air commutes.
Travel planners: two years from now, “landing at DXB” might include an aerial hop to your hotel—so add eVTOL calls to travel itineraries.
Investors: this isn't hype: pilots, regulators, infrastructure—all green-lit. But profitability is still a question. Is Joby a moonshot, a future Apple in the skies, or will regulatory delays cap it? Maybe rebalance: some exposure, some caution.
TL;DR
Joby is no longer just selling dreams—they’re selling flights. Dubai’s the launch pad, commercial liftoff is edging closer, and portfolios ripe for eVTOL exposure. Time to reassess not just how you move—but how you invest in the future of flight.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Santa Cruz Works does not hold any position in Joby Aviation.
