Joby Aviation Scales Manufacturing Footprint with Acquisition of Second Ohio Facility

DAYTON, OH – Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) has announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing presence in Ohio, marking a critical step in the company’s transition from prototype development to serial production. The California-based developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft confirmed the acquisition of an existing facility at the Dayton International Airport, which will serve as its second major site in the region.

This acquisition follows Joby’s 2023 selection of Dayton as the site for its primary commercial manufacturing hub. By securing this additional 200,000-square-foot facility, the company aims to accelerate its production timeline and establish a robust supply chain for its five-seat, zero-emissions aircraft.

Industrializing the AAM Ecosystem

For the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, the shift from flight testing to industrial-scale manufacturing represents the most significant hurdle to commercial viability. While numerous OEMs have successfully flown prototypes, the ability to produce certified aircraft at scale remains unproven in the eVTOL sector.

Joby’s expansion in Dayton is a strategic move to leverage Ohio’s existing aerospace infrastructure. The region, home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and a dense network of Tier 1 aerospace suppliers, provides the specialized labor and logistics required for high-tech manufacturing. This development suggests that the AAM ecosystem is moving toward a decentralized model, where R&D remains in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, but production is concentrated in traditional aerospace manufacturing corridors.

Strategic Implications for Infrastructure and Cities

For city planners and infrastructure developers, Joby’s manufacturing growth signals a need to accelerate vertiport planning. As production capacity increases, the volume of aircraft entering the market will necessitate standardized ground infrastructure.

The Dayton facility is expected to focus on sub-assembly and component manufacturing, which will eventually feed into a larger, purpose-built factory capable of producing up to 500 aircraft annually. This volume of production underscores the urgency for municipal regulators to establish clear zoning and noise-abatement protocols. Unlike traditional helicopters, Joby’s eVTOL is designed for a significantly lower acoustic profile, yet the integration of these vehicles into urban airspace requires new frameworks for air traffic management and community acceptance.

Regulatory Path and Deployment Timelines

Joby remains on a rigorous path toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification. The company has already completed the third of five stages required for certification and is currently engaged in "for-credit" testing of its flight electronics and structural components.

The expansion in Ohio is timed to align with the FAA’s "Innovate28" roadmap, which targets 2028 for the integration of AAM operations at scale for the Los Angeles Olympics. However, Joby is aiming for a 2025 entry-into-service, likely beginning with targeted commercial operations in launch markets such as New York and Dubai.

Investors and analysts view the acquisition of the second Ohio facility as a de-risking measure. By utilizing existing buildings rather than relying solely on "greenfield" construction, Joby can begin installing production tooling earlier than anticipated, potentially shortening the lead time between certification and commercial delivery.

Operational Constraints and Economic Impact

Despite the momentum, Joby faces several constraints. The global aerospace supply chain remains under pressure, and the availability of specialized battery cells and lightweight composites could impact production rates. Furthermore, while Joby has secured a Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate, the final "Special Class" airworthiness criteria for eVTOLs are still being refined by the FAA and international counterparts like EASA.

From an economic perspective, the Ohio expansion is supported by state and local incentives totaling up to $325 million. For Ohio, the move solidifies its position as a primary node in the electric aviation sector, attracting further investment from battery manufacturers and autonomous systems developers.

Outlook for the Sector

The acquisition of the second Dayton facility is a clear indicator that Joby is prioritizing the "manufacturing readiness" phase of its business plan. As the company prepares to move aircraft off the assembly line, the focus of the AAM industry will likely shift from aircraft design to the operational complexities of pilot training, airspace integration, and the establishment of high-voltage charging networks.

For the stakeholders at SkyHwy, this development confirms that the race to commercialize electric flight has entered its industrial phase. The success of Joby’s Ohio operations will likely serve as a blueprint for other OEMs seeking to scale production in a highly regulated and capital-intensive environment.