Joby Aviation, a Californian transportation company developing an eVTOL aircraft that it intends to operate as a commercial passenger aircraft beginning in 2024, has been named to Fast Company's list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2021. The annual list is compiled by Fast Company reporters and editors who survey thousands of enterprises around the world to identify the most notable innovators of the year.

Following a decade spent developing a piloted eVTOL aircraft, with more than 1,000 test flights conducted to date, Joby has been recognised by Fast Company as a leader with significant first-mover advantages in the emerging aerial ridesharing industry. Joby's technology and strategic partnerships with companies such as Uber and Toyota set the company apart in the field as it continues advancing its mission to transform transportation with the introduction of a clean, quiet and convenient aerial ridesharing service starting in 2024.

Following airworthiness approval by the US Air Force and a certification basis agreement with the FAA, the Joby eVTOL could be the aircraft that will make air taxis a reality. Joby's piloted aircraft, which can fly at least 150 miles on a single charge and cruise at 200 mph, will bring to the public clean, quiet and fast on-demand air travel for four-passenger journeys.

Joby recently revealed for the first time footage of its aircraft taking off vertically before transitioning to forward flight and then landing vertically.

The recognition by Fast Company comes as Joby prepares to merge with Reinvent Technology Partners, a special purpose acquisition company that takes a ‘venture capital at scale” approach to partnering with bold leaders and companies. Upon the closing of the transaction, the combined company will be named Joby Aviation and become publicly traded, with its common stock expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.