Santa Cruz, CA, July 11, 2024 – Joby Aviation, Inc., a next-generation aviation company, has successfully completed a groundbreaking 523-mile flight using a hydrogen-electric air taxi demonstrator.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of emissions-free regional air travel.

Details of the Flight

The flight, which took place on June 24, 2024, above Marina, California, showcased the potential of hydrogen-electric technology to revolutionize regional journeys. The aircraft, which takes off and lands vertically, emitted only water as a by-product, highlighting its environmental benefits.

CEO's Statement

JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby, expressed his excitement about the achievement: "Traveling by air is central to human progress, but we need to find ways to make it cleaner. With our battery-electric air taxi set to fundamentally change the way we move around cities, we’re excited to now be building a technology stack that could redefine regional travel using hydrogen-electric aircraft."

Technological Background

The hydrogen-electric program builds on technology developed by Joby's subsidiary, H2FLY, acquired in 2021. This program is part of Joby's future technology roadmap and is supported through a partnership with the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program.

Test Flight Specifics

The landmark test flight, believed to be the first forward flight of a vertical take-off and landing aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen, was completed using a converted Joby pre-production prototype battery-electric aircraft fitted with a liquid hydrogen fuel tank and fuel cell system. The aircraft landed with 10% of its hydrogen fuel load remaining.

Support from Agility Prime

Jacob Wilson, Acting Branch Chief at AFWERX Agility Prime, commented on the achievement: "Agility Prime has been very supportive of hydrogen-powered aircraft development and testing as it aligns with the program’s goals to advance transformative vertical lift technologies and broader Department of Defense operational energy goals of energy substitution and diversification, and energy demand reduction."

Future Implications

This successful flight demonstrates the potential for hydrogen to unlock emissions-free regional journeys that do not require a runway, bringing the vision of cleaner air travel closer to reality.

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