Joby completes a coast-to-coast autonomous-aircraft demonstration

Joby ($JOBY) reported a 3,199-mile journey across the United States by an aircraft equipped with its autonomy system, with no control inputs from the onboard safety pilot. The converted Cessna Caravan performed taxiing, takeoffs, navigation and landings autonomously, with remote supervision from locations as far as 2,323 miles away.

The demonstration used Joby’s J208 platform, not its electric vertical-takeoff air taxi. A safety pilot remained aboard, so the flight should not be described as uncrewed. Joby sees applications in cargo, medical transport, emergency response and defense logistics. The milestone demonstrates operation across varied environments, but it does not establish approval for unrestricted autonomous passenger service or announce a new commercial contract with a disclosed revenue value.

Sources:

• Joby Aviation — autonomous-flight demonstration, Business Wire