Electric air taxi developers Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are intensifying efforts to secure regulatory approval and expand manufacturing as the advanced air mobility sector moves closer to launching commercial passenger services.

Joby recently began flight testing its first production-conforming electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at its Marina facility, marking a key milestone in its certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration.

The aircraft, powered by six electric rotors and designed to carry a pilot and four passengers, will be used in regulatory evaluations as the company prepares for Type Inspection Authorization flight tests conducted by FAA pilots.

Joby said it has recently made progress in Stage 4 of the FAA’s five-stage certification program, placing it among the more advanced developers in the sector. To support production expansion, the company has agreed to acquire a facility in Ohio spanning more than 700,000 square feet. It also plans to increase output at its manufacturing sites in California and Ohio to around four aircraft per month by 2027.

The company aims to launch initial air taxi operations in Dubai in 2026, followed by services in the United States once certification is secured. Joby has also partnered with Uber to integrate air taxis into a ground-to-air travel booking platform.

Meanwhile, Archer Aviation is advancing certification of its “Midnight” eVTOL aircraft following demonstration flights in several cities.

In January, the Federal Aviation Administration accepted the company’s Means of Compliance plan, which outlines how the aircraft will demonstrate compliance with safety requirements. The approval allows Archer to proceed with the testing and verification processes required for certification.

Archer has also partnered with Southwest Airlines to explore operational plans for air taxi networks, initially focused on airports in California.

The company said its Midnight aircraft program continues to move toward commercial operations. It recently announced plans to integrate Starlink connectivity to support communications. Archer has also indicated that its vertical take-off technology could be applied to defense and other specialized aviation uses.