Ohio, the birthplace of aviation where the Wright brothers first pioneered human flight, is set to become a manufacturing hub for cutting-edge electric planes that can take off and land vertically. This announcement comes as part of an agreement between the state and Joby Aviation Inc.
Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, expressed his enthusiasm for the future of air taxis, highlighting the direct and indirect job opportunities that the industry will bring. The move is seen as a signal that Ohio is looking towards the future and positioning itself as a leader in this emerging field, similar to the way Intel has done.
The development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is gaining traction globally, although challenges such as noise levels and charging demands still need to be addressed. Nevertheless, developers believe that these aircraft will soon provide a viable alternative for transporting individuals and small groups from rooftops and parking garages to their destinations, bypassing congested roadways.
Joby Aviation’s decision to establish its first large-scale manufacturing facility at the 140-acre site in Dayton International Airport is the culmination of two decades of groundwork laid by Ohio’s leaders. The location holds strategic importance as it is in close proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories, adding to the area’s legacy of aviation innovation.
Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, a Republican, emphasized the significance of capturing a major aircraft manufacturer in the Dayton area, where the Wright brothers lived and worked. In fact, in 1910, the brothers opened the first U.S. airplane factory in Dayton. To honor this historical connection, Joby’s formal announcement will take place at Orville Wright’s home, Hawthorn Hill, and conclude with a ceremonial flypast of a replica of the Wright Model B Flyer.
Joby’s production aircraft is designed to accommodate a pilot and four passengers, with speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and a maximum range of 100 miles. The company claims that the aircraft’s quiet noise profile is barely noticeable in most urban environments. Beginning in 2025, these planes are expected to be integrated into aerial ridesharing networks.
Supported by partnerships with Toyota, Delta Airlines, Intel, and Uber, Joby Aviation has made significant strides in the eVTOL industry. The Santa Cruz-based company, founded 14 years ago, went public in 2021 and became the first eVTOL firm to receive airworthiness certification from the U.S. Air Force.
With financial incentives totaling up to $325 million from the state of Ohio, JobsOhio economic development office, and local government, alongside $500 million of its own funds, Joby plans to construct a manufacturing facility capable of producing up to 500 aircraft annually and generating 2,000 jobs. The U.S. Department of Energy has also extended an invitation for Joby to apply for a loan to support the facility as a clean energy project.
Speaking to the AP, Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt explained that Ohio was chosen after an extensive and competitive search. Though the financial package wasn’t the largest, the opportunity to establish operations in the birthplace of aviation, with a skilled workforce experienced in the field, was a significant factor in their decision. Bevirt highlighted Ohio’s leading role in supplying parts for Boeing and Airbus and its ranking as the third-largest state in terms of manufacturing jobs as crucial factors for the company.
J.P. Nauseef, President, and CEO of JobsOhio, acknowledged the Dayton area’s resilience through economic challenges, such as the loss of tens of thousands of automotive manufacturing jobs in the early 2000s and the relocation of NCR Corp.’s headquarters to an Atlanta suburb in 2009. The region’s dedication to aviation has been a key foundation for its economic stability.
“This project combines the rich heritage and legacy of aviation innovation with our strong manufacturing capabilities,” said Nauseef. “It represents a unique integration that has not been seen before in this town. For a community the size of Dayton and Springfield, who have experienced challenging decades, this is an incredible undertaking.”
Bevirt confirmed that operations and hiring will commence immediately from existing buildings near the development site, pending the completion of standard legal and regulatory processes. The site itself has ample space to eventually accommodate a total of 2 million square feet (610,000 square meters) of manufacturing facilities.
Construction of the manufacturing facility is set to commence in 2024, with production expected to begin in 2025.
Toyota, a long-standing investor, collaborated with Joby in 2019 to design and successfully launch its pilot production line in Marina, California. The automaker will continue to provide guidance to Joby as it prepares for the expansion of production for its commercial passenger air taxi.
The announcement comes as a bipartisan group of Ohio’s congressional representatives has intensified efforts, following an earlier appeal by Governor DeWine, to attract the new U.S. Air Force’s U.S. Space Command headquarters or Space Force units to Ohio. State leaders also highlight the aerospace legacy of the Wright brothers, as well as the renowned Ohio-born astronauts John Glenn and Neil Armstrong, in their campaign to secure these institutions.