Electric-taxis takes flight: The future of air travel debuts in Los Angeles

In a city where "gridlock" and "traffic" feel synonymous with "good morning," a new commuting option might soon be right around the corner—or rather, right above it. Joby Aviation, a company based in Santa Cruz, unveiled its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at The Grove in Los Angeles this week, showcasing what they hope will become a go-to mode of transportation ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

The all-day event at the iconic shopping center attracted Angelenos of all ages, many stopping to snap photos of the aircraft—an all-electric, six-propeller air taxi that feels like the flying car dream coming true. “The legroom is amazing, the technology seems impeccable, and it will get me there quickly,” LA resident Samantha McGarrity told the LA Times after stepping inside the Joby aircraft. “The last thing I want is to be stuck in traffic.”

McGarrity wasn’t alone in her excitement. With citywide congestion reaching nightmare levels, this technology could be a game-changer for Angelenos. During the unveiling, Fly Compton Foundation President Demetrius Harris spoke with Joby founder JoeBen Bevirt about the importance of this innovation as LA prepares to host millions of visitors for global sporting events, and how partnerships like theirs are crucial for training pilots starting this year.

In a city where getting anywhere feels like an ordeal, Joby’s eVTOL aircraft offers a tantalizing solution. A typical drive from LAX to downtown can take 75 minutes on a good day. With Joby? Just eight. Powered by four battery packs, these aircraft can soar across the city at speeds up to 200 mph and altitudes of 10,000 feet, according to Joby Chief Product Officer Eric Allison. And it’s not just about speed—it’s about making air travel more accessible.

Allison explained that the goal is to make it affordable for everyday use. According to the LA Times, Joby’s pricing is expected to fall between Uber Black and Uber X. An Uber Black ride from LAX to downtown LA costs about $100, while Uber X is closer to $60. Joby aims to match the Uber X price, making flying taxis a realistic option for more than just the wealthy.

In addition to being fast and futuristic, Joby’s aircraft offers a key advantage over traditional helicopters—it’s quiet. “The biggest hurdle for helicopters is the noise,” Bevirt explained. Joby’s electric engines produce a soft, wind-like "whoosh" instead of the familiar thud of helicopters. NASA’s acoustic testing shows it generates just 45 decibels in flight—about as quiet as wind in the trees. With zero emissions and fewer moving parts, the aircraft also promises lower maintenance costs and less downtime.

Joby’s focus is on efficiency. “We’re planning for short hops in and around congested areas,” explained George Kivork of Joby. The goal is to optimize aircraft operations with quick charging stations at helipads and rooftops, allowing passengers to charge up between short flights and continue their journey seamlessly.

While Joby’s immediate focus is on easing LA’s 2028 Olympic and World Cup traffic, their vision goes far beyond that. The company is pursuing certification in the United Arab Emirates and other global cities. Through a partnership with Uber, riders may eventually book air taxis via the app, with cars transporting passengers to and from landing pads—just like a standard Uber ride.

Joby isn’t alone in the race to bring air taxis to market. Competitors like Archer Aviation and Lilium have developed their own eVTOL aircraft. Just this month, the first all-electric airplane certified by the Federal Aviation Administration landed in Santa Monica, according to the LA Times.

So don't be surprised if someday soon you start noticing air taxis zipping quietly above gridlocked traffic in your own town. As Caruso pointed out, this kind of service could fundamentally change the way a city operates.