Joby Aviation Eyes Parking Garages for Air Taxi Network

Joby Aviation Expands Vertiport Network Through Strategic Partnerships

Joby Aviation is collaborating with leading parking infrastructure provider REEF Technology and real estate acquisition firm Neighborhood Property Group to develop a comprehensive network of vertiports. Initial efforts will concentrate on major metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and the San Francisco Bay Area, as announced on Wednesday.

Access to Prime Locations and Funding

This partnership grants Joby exclusive access to a vast array of rooftop locations throughout key US cities. Furthermore, it establishes a funding pathway for acquiring and developing new skyport facilities, according to a company statement.

The Importance of Infrastructure for Air Taxi Services

A widespread, easily accessible network of vertiports is anticipated to be a crucial determinant of success for companies aiming to attract customers to air taxi services. Current infrastructure supporting helicopters is limited, particularly within urban environments where eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) companies plan to initiate operations.

The agreement provides Joby with exclusive access to these sites for a defined period, allowing the company to secure long-term leases within REEF’s extensive real estate portfolio.

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

Previously, details regarding Joby’s plans for its aerial ridesharing network were limited. However, founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt has previously highlighted the advantages of utilizing existing parking garages.

These structures are typically situated in densely populated areas, possess substantial size, and are constructed with durable materials capable of supporting multiple small aircraft. Importantly, parking garages already accommodate automobiles, a complementary transportation mode likely to integrate with air taxis for first- and last-mile travel.

REEF’s Extensive Network

REEF, originating as parking lot management company ParkJockey, currently manages approximately 4,500 mobility and logistics hubs. This network reaches an estimated 70% of the urban population in North America. Last November, REEF secured $700 million in funding from investors including SoftBank and the Mubadala Corp.

Utilizing Existing Heliports and Airports

In addition to this new collaboration, Joby intends to incorporate existing heliport and regional airport locations into its vertiport network.

A Transformative Step for Joby

“This represents a significant milestone in Joby’s journey towards establishing a revolutionary ridesharing service in the skies,” stated Bevirt. “NPG and REEF possess an unparalleled network of sites across the US, and we are enthusiastic about collaborating with them to pinpoint locations that will form the foundation of our future service.”

Key benefits of the partnership include: