Joby Aviation stock soared 10.8% in pre-market trading Friday after the company completed the first piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi flight between two public airports in the United States.

The flight, which traveled from Marina (OAR) to Monterey (MRY) airports in California, covered 10 nautical miles in approximately 12 minutes, including a 5-minute hold pattern for air traffic spacing. This milestone demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to integrate into FAA-controlled airspace alongside conventional aircraft.

During the test, Joby’s air taxi successfully performed vertical takeoff, transition to wingborne flight, and vertical landing while following standard air traffic control protocols. The company’s aircraft had to sequence with other aircraft at Monterey Airport, including entering a holding pattern to accommodate an arriving airliner.

"Successfully flying from Marina to Monterey showcased operations of our aircraft integrated in the broader transportation network and further validated its performance to ensure we’re prepared for service on day one," said Didier Papadopoulos, President of Aircraft OEM at Joby.

The achievement comes as Joby advances toward FAA certification, with the company recently beginning final assembly of its first aircraft intended for Type Inspection Authorization flight testing. Joby plans to begin flight testing with FAA pilots early next year and aims to launch commercial service in Los Angeles and New York City following certification.

The company has conducted extensive testing across its fleet, with over 40,000 miles flown to date. Joby is also in the process of acquiring Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business as part of its commercial market preparation strategy.