Joby and Archer Push Air Taxi Passenger Flights to 2027

Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation now both point to 2027 for the first commercial air taxi passenger flights in the United States, according to their third-quarter 2026 earnings reports and AIN's analysis. Both companies had once targeted 2025. Joby is in the fifth and final stage of FAA type certification; Archer has yet to complete its first piloted transition flight.

Background

An eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) is a battery-powered aircraft that lifts off like a helicopter and cruises like an airplane. Joby and Archer are the two best-funded U.S. developers, and both want to launch urban air taxi service. For a primer, see our eVTOL air taxis guide.

Both fly under the FAA's eIPP (eVTOL Integration Pilot Program), which lets companies run early operations before full certification. Earlier this year we covered test flights across four US states. Paying passengers, however, depend on certification progress.

Where Does Joby Stand?

Joby says it completed a wide range of "for credit" testing in stage five of five of FAA type certification, according to its Q3 report released November 4, 2026.

• Revenue: $55 million in Q3, mostly from Blade, with the full-year 2026 outlook raised 15% to $135–140 million.
• Cash: $2.2 billion as of September 30, 2026.
• Production: 17 aircraft in production.
• Timeline: Joby's SEC filing still lists 2026 for first passengers, but its policy chief Greg Bowles said commercial eIPP flights will be tied to substantial FAA flight testing. AIN reports FAA pilot training on Joby aircraft is expected in the first half of 2027.

Where Does Archer Stand?

Archer's Midnight aircraft has moved to Hawthorne Municipal Airport near Los Angeles, and the company says it is "on track for the end of this year" to complete its first piloted hover-to-wingborne transition, per AIN. Joby reached that milestone in April 2025.

After the transition, Midnight must log 50 flight-test hours before Archer can seek market survey approval for vertical flight. Archer reported a $274.6 million net loss on $5.1 million in revenue, with $1.35 billion in cash and nine Midnights under construction.

What Does the 2027 Timeline Mean for the Industry?

The delay shows that eVTOL certification is slower than early promises. Flight testing typically takes 6 to 18 months, according to AIN, and Eve now targets type certification in 2028.

Both firms are also diversifying. Joby is buying Resonant Sciences for $500 million, and Archer is acquiring Wisk, Insitu and SkyGrid from Boeing. Joby's U.S. Air Force commitment also rose to nearly $37 million.

What This Means for Drone Pilots

Air taxis will not change the rules for small drones under Part 107 soon, but they will share low-altitude airspace with them over time. Expect more vertiport planning, airspace integration work, and eventual changes to how UAS traffic is managed near urban airports.

Pilots should follow FAA airspace updates and check LAANC and local advisories as eIPP operations expand. Passenger service in 2027 is a target, not a guarantee.

Sources: AIN | Joby Aviation Q3 2026 results