US-based air taxi manufacturer Joby Aviation has signed an agreement with business aviation company Clay Lacy Aviation to upgrade Southern California’s urban air mobility infrastructure with the first electric air taxi charger for the region. 

The new Global Electric Aviation Charging System (GEACS) will be installed at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County as part of Clay Lacy’s $100m redevelopment of its fixed-based operator terminal. 

It is one of the first deals for Joby to install the GEACS technology, which is already in use at the company’s flight test centre and Edwards Air Force Base, at an airport as it plans for the launch of an air taxi network in the state, hoped to be one of the first in the US. 

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, said: “We’re taking concrete steps to ensure the right infrastructure is in place to support our future service and we’re grateful to be working with an industry pioneer like Clay Lacy Aviation to lead the way on bringing sustainable aviation to Southern California. 

“The charging technology we have developed is optimized to support our whole industry, from air taxis delivering short range city flights to more conventional electric aircraft flying longer distances.” 

The agreement builds upon Joby’s existing work to prepare for the commercial launch of air taxis and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, including a deal signed with Delta Air Lines in 2022 to operate services in the Los Angeles / Southern California area. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In November 2023, Joby conducted the first electric air taxi flight in New York City during an exhibition flight celebrating the announcement that the city would be electrifying the Downtown Heliport in Manhattan.