FutureFlight
Electric Air Taxis Take Flight in New York City
Joby and Volocopter flew their respective eVTOL prototypes from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
Joby's eVTOL aircraft is pictured flying in front of the NYC skyline
Joby's five-seat electric air taxi became the first eVTOL aircraft to fly in New York City on Nov. 12, 2023. (Photo: Joby Aviation)

In a sign that it is embracing an electric aviation future, New York City hosted public flight demonstrations of eVTOL aircraft developed by Joby and Volocopter at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport this week. On Sunday, Joby’s preproduction prototype aircraft became the first eVTOL air taxi to fly in the city, and on Monday Volocopter followed up with a demonstration of its 2X prototype. 

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) hosted the two-day event along with the city’s mayor, Eric Adams. In a briefing at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport on Monday, Adams announced the city’s plans to electrify the heliport in support of eVTOL operations, which are expected to launch in the city shortly after new eVTOL vehicles begin receiving their FAA type certification in 2025. 

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