Joby Aero has started the process to secure the FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate it will need to begin planned air taxi operations with its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft, the company has confirmed.

The California-based airframer said it is on track to secure this approval, along with type and production certificates for the model, in time to begin commercial services in the U.S. during 2024.

Joby believes it may be able to secure the air carrier certificate before the end of 2022. In a July 29 statement, Joby said it plans to operate some existing, conventional aircraft as soon as it gets its air carrier certificate. It will subsequently add its as-yet-unnamed eVTOL aircraft to this Part 135 certificate once the vehicle has secured type certification, which it anticipates receiving in 2023.

Joby’s preparations for commercial air services are being led by Bonny Simi, head of air operations. She previously held senior operational and strategic positions with JetBlue Airways and United Airlines.

Want more? A longer version of this article can be found at FutureFlight.aero, a news and information resource developed by AIN to provide objective, independent coverage, and analysis of cutting-edge aviation technology.