Riding in a Joby Just Got a Bit More Real: FAA’s LAX Simulation Marks Major Progress

Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), a company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, announced the successful completion of an advanced human-in-the-loop simulation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on June 26, 2025. The simulation, conducted at the FAA's Airport Facilities Terminal Integration Laboratory (AFTIL), demonstrated the safe and efficient integration of Joby's electric air taxis into the complex airspace of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

This crucial simulation utilized a photo-realistic, 3D model of LAX, allowing pilots and air traffic controllers to practice takeoffs, landings, and air traffic flow integration of Joby's aircraft. The exercise assessed critical factors including smooth traffic flow, air traffic control coordination, optimized takeoff and landing paths for vertiports, and human-system interaction. This milestone underscores the meticulous planning and rigorous safety validation underway to bring quiet, emissions-free air travel to communities, with initial launch markets planned for Los Angeles and New York City.

See excerpt from a recent article by Greg Bowles, Head of Government Policy, Joby Aviation below:

LAX gets a glimpse of tomorrow’s skies

Recently, the FAA completed an advanced human-in-the-loop simulation to test how electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft could safely operate at one of the busiest airports in the world: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Picture this: inside the FAA’s state-of-the-art Airport Facilities Terminal Integration Laboratory (AFTIL) in New Jersey, researchers created a photo-realistic, 3D model of LAX. Then, pilots and air traffic controllers simulated how our new aircraft would take-off, land, and integrate into the air traffic flows of Los Angeles. The facility houses full-scale control tower mockups, 360- and 210-degree tower simulators, and integrated capabilities that connect with other labs—including flight decks, a terminal radar approach control facility (TRACON), and a Joby aircraft simulator. The result is a highly realistic testbed for the operational, procedural, and human factors aspects associated with next-generation airspace integration. Here’s what was assessed:

•Smooth Traffic Flow: Aircraft deconfliction and traffic flows around LAX

•Air Traffic Control Coordination: Integration with existing air traffic control communications procedures and separation standards

• Takeoff and Landing Paths: Design and evaluation of vertiport approach and departure paths

• Human Factors: Human-system interaction, including pilot and controller workload and communication

This was not only a technical exercise but also a powerful demonstration of progress toward commercial market readiness. FAA officials, eVTOL companies, airlines, and local authorities like Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) all came together to witness firsthand how our aircraft can be safely integrated. The insights from this effort will directly shape how electric air taxis are integrated into airports across the U.S.  

Building on foundational research

This work builds on earlier joint studies led by NASA, the FAA, Joby, and others, including a landmark air traffic control simulation in Dallas airspace. That research established foundational principles for electric vertical takeoff and landing operations in dense, urban environments and directly informed both vehicle requirements and airspace integration strategies now being validated at AFTIL and applied to real-world airports like LAX.

We commend the FAA for their vision and unwavering commitment to safety. With world-class facilities like the AFTIL supporting the mission, the future of quiet, clean aviation is being meticulously built, tested and refined right now. 

And as the U.S. and other countries push forward with advanced air mobility, groundbreaking efforts like this LAX simulation signal a clear message: sustainable air travel is closer than ever to being an everyday reality for everyone.