In an exciting development, the state of Ohio has announced a groundbreaking agreement with Joby Aviation Inc. to manufacture cutting-edge electric planes in the same river valley where the Wright brothers first pioneered human flight.
Republican Governor Mike DeWine expressed his enthusiasm for this venture, stating that air taxis represent the future and that Ohio’s involvement in this industry signals the state’s commitment to innovation and progress.
Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, although concerns about noise levels and charging infrastructure remain.
Nonetheless, developers are confident that these planes will soon provide a viable alternative for transporting individuals or small groups from rooftops and parking garages to their destinations, bypassing the congested roads below.
This development holds immense potential not only in terms of job creation but also in positioning Ohio as a forward-thinking hub for advanced transportation technology.
The strategic decision made by Joby, a pioneering company in the field of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, to establish its inaugural large-scale manufacturing facility at a sprawling 140-acre site in Dayton International Airport, is the culmination of meticulous planning and foresight by Ohio’s esteemed leaders.
Republican Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted lauded this move, emphasizing the culmination of efforts that have spanned two decades.
The chosen location holds immense significance, as it is in close proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a hub of military aviation excellence, and the esteemed U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories.
This proximity not only bolsters Joby’s access to cutting-edge research and development resources but also strengthens its collaboration potential with key stakeholders in the aerospace industry.
By capitalizing on this advantageous location, Joby is poised to cement its position as a leader in the eVTOL sector and contribute to the region’s economic growth and technological advancement.
The Dayton area has long been a hub for aviation innovation, with a rich history dating back to the Wright brothers’ pioneering work in the field.
Despite this legacy, however, the region has struggled to attract large-scale aircraft manufacturers. That is why the recent announcement by Joby Aviation represents such a significant milestone for the local economy.
As Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted noted, the company’s decision to establish a production facility in Dayton marks the realization of a long-held aspiration.
Joby’s aircraft is designed to transport up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, with a range of 100 miles.
What sets it apart, however, is its near-silent noise profile, making it an ideal fit for use in urban aerial ridesharing networks.
The announcement was made at Orville Wright’s home, Hawthorn Hill, and was followed by a ceremonial flypast of a replica of the Wright Model B Flyer, connecting the past and present of aviation innovation in Dayton.
The Santa Cruz, California-based company, Joby, has made remarkable strides in the field of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, thanks to its strong partnerships with industry giants such as Toyota, Delta Air Lines, Intel, and Uber.
With a history spanning over 14 years, Joby achieved a significant milestone in 2021 by becoming the first eVTOL firm to receive U.S. Air Force airworthiness certification.
This accomplishment not only solidifies Joby’s position as a leader in the eVTOL industry but also highlights the company’s commitment to safety and innovation.
Through its collaborations with influential partners and its dedication to advancing sustainable aviation, Joby is poised to revolutionize the way we travel, offering a greener and more efficient mode of transportation for the future.
The ambitious $500 million project, spearheaded by Joby, has garnered substantial support from various entities, including the state of Ohio, its JobsOhio economic development office, and local government, who have collectively pledged up to $325 million in incentives.
With this significant financial backing, Joby intends to construct a state-of-the-art facility in Ohio, capable of producing an impressive 500 aircraft per year, while simultaneously generating an estimated 2,000 job opportunities.
Recognizing the potential of this venture as a clean energy initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy has extended an invitation to Joby to apply for a loan to further bolster the development of the facility.
Joby’s CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, shared with the Associated Press that Ohio was selected as the project’s location following an exhaustive and highly competitive search.
Although their financial offering may not have been the largest, the allure of situating the operation in the birthplace of aviation, surrounded by a skilled and experienced workforce, ultimately solidified the decision.
According to Bevirt, Ohio proudly holds the top position as the leading state in the United States when it comes to providing parts for both Boeing and Airbus, two prominent aircraft manufacturers.
This achievement speaks volumes about Ohio’s significant contribution to the aviation industry, solidifying its reputation as a crucial player in the supply chain.
Moreover, Ohio ranks third nationwide in terms of manufacturing jobs, highlighting the state’s remarkable depth of manufacturing prowess.
This impressive workforce serves as a critical asset as the company plans to establish a new manufacturing facility.
The abundance of skilled workers and the state’s long-standing tradition of excellence in manufacturing make Ohio an ideal location for this venture.
The combination of Ohio’s exceptional manufacturing capabilities and its status as a top supplier for Boeing and Airbus creates a promising environment for the success of this manufacturing facility.
The President and CEO of JobsOhio, J.P. Nauseef, emphasized the significance of the aviation industry in sustaining the Dayton area during challenging economic times.
This resilience was particularly evident when the region faced the loss of numerous automobile and auto parts manufacturing jobs in the early 2000s, as well as the relocation of NCR Corp.’s headquarters to an Atlanta suburb in 2009.
Nauseef highlighted the unique opportunity presented by the aviation sector, which combines the area’s rich heritage and legacy of innovation in aviation with its strong foundation in manufacturing.
This integration of two essential industries has never been witnessed before in Dayton, making it a truly remarkable project for a community the size of Dayton and Springfield.
Despite the hardships endured by the people of this region over the decades, they take immense pride in their community, making this project all the more significant and promising.
The CEO of Joby Aviation, JoeBen Bevirt, announced that operations and hiring will commence immediately from existing buildings near the development site, pending the necessary legal and regulatory approvals.
The expansive site has the potential to accommodate up to 2 million square feet (18.58 hectares) of manufacturing space in the future.
The construction of the manufacturing facility is slated to commence in 2024, with production expected to begin in 2025.
In 2019, Toyota, a renowned long-term investor, collaborated with Joby, a pioneering company in the field of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, to embark on an ambitious endeavor.
Together, they undertook the design and implementation of a pilot production line in Marina, California, with the aim of revolutionizing the transportation industry.
The successful launch of this production line marked a significant milestone for Joby, as it paved the way for the future development and eventual mass production of their groundbreaking commercial passenger air taxi.
Recognizing the value of this partnership, Toyota has committed to continuing its advisory role, providing invaluable guidance and support to Joby as they navigate the challenges and complexities associated with scaling up production.
This strategic collaboration between two industry leaders not only highlights the immense potential of eVTOL technology but also showcases the commitment of both companies to driving innovation and shaping the future of mobility.
The recent announcement regarding Ohio’s efforts to attract the U.S. Air Force’s new U.S. Space Command headquarters or Space Force units to the state has garnered significant attention and interest from both local and national stakeholders.
The bipartisan group of Ohio’s congressional representatives has been actively working towards this goal, highlighting the state’s rich aerospace legacy and the contributions of eminent figures such as the Wright brothers, John Glenn, and Neil Armstrong.
The state’s leaders have been vocal in their support, emphasizing Ohio’s strategic location, strong workforce, and cutting-edge research and development capabilities as key factors that make it an ideal destination for the space command or space force units.
This move is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the state, including job creation and increased investment in the aerospace industry.
Overall, Ohio’s efforts to attract the U.S. Air Force’s new U.S. Space Command headquarters or Space Force units are a testament to the state’s commitment to innovation, progress, and growth, and underscore its position as a leading player in the global aerospace industry.