Is Joby Aviation Worth Your Money Before 2026?

Imagine skipping traffic by literally flying over it. That’s the pitch from Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), and 2026 could be the make-or-break year for this bet.

Where We’re At Right Now

Joby is a pre-revenue company—it hasn’t made a dime yet. But lately, it’s been racking up wins:

• August 2025: Completed first airport-to-airport flight with proper air traffic navigation
• October 2025: Ran three successful eVTOL demos at a California airshow
• November 2025: Became the first eVTOL operator to pass flight tests in Dubai

These aren’t just marketing stunts. They’re proving to the FAA that electric flying taxis are actually safe and can work in the real world.

The 2026 Inflection Point

Here’s the critical timeline:

• Late 2025: In-house pilot testing kicks off
• 2026: “For credit” FAA certification testing begins
• 2026+: Potential first commercial passenger flights

The catch? Joby doesn’t have FAA approval yet. It’s in the final stretch of the certification gauntlet, but that certification still isn’t guaranteed.

The Real Question

This is a classic pre-commercial bet. You’re not buying into revenue—you’re buying into hope that regulatory approval happens. For risk-tolerant investors betting on the eVTOL boom, late 2025 might be a window before that potential certification closes the gap.

But remember: Joby is still years away from actual profitability. Factor that into your thesis.