Joby Aviation has revealed plans to locate its first scaled aircraft production facility in Dayton, Ohio, the birthplace of aviation.

The Wright Brothers, who invented and flew the first powered aircraft, lived and worked in Dayton, and opened the first aircraft factory in the US there in 1910. The city is also home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the headquarters of the US Air Force Research Laboratories, which has played a key role in supporting Joby's development.

Joby plans to build a facility capable of delivering up to 500 aircraft per year at the Dayton International airport, supporting up to 2,000 jobs. The 140 acre site has the potential to support significant further growth over time, providing enough land to build up to two million square feet of manufacturing space. Construction of the scaled Ohio facility is expected to start in 2024, and it is expected to come online in 2025. Joby plans to use existing nearby buildings to begin near-term operations.

The State of Ohio, JobsOhio and local political subdivisions have offered incentives and benefits of up to $325 million to support the development of the facility, while Joby plans to invest up to $500 million as it scales operations at the site. Joby has also been invited by the US Department of Energy to submit a Part II application for financing under the Title XVII Loan Guarantee Program, which provides access to low-interest loans for clean energy projects and would support the scaling of the facility.

Long term Joby investor Toyota, which worked on the design and successful launch of the company's pilot production line in Marina, California plans to continue to advise Joby as it prepares for scaled production of its commercial passenger air taxi.

“We're building the future of aviation right where it all started, in Dayton, Ohio,” says CEO JoeBen Bevirt. “The Wright Brothers harnessed revolutionary technology of their time to open up the skies, and we intend to do the same, this time bringing quiet and emissions-free flight that we hope will have an equally profound impact on our world.

“The US continues to lead the way on introducing this technology, with unprecedented levels of support across all areas and levels of government. We're incredibly grateful to Governor Mike DeWine, Lt Governor Jon Husted, Senator Sherrod Brown, Senator JD Vance, Representative Mike Turner and the team at JobsOhio for their support, as well as the representatives of the many other states we worked with during this process.

“Our partnership with Ohio is a great example of how successful public-private partnership amongst industry, local, state and federal government can bring important new technology to life.”

Joby plans to start hiring in the coming months, with early roles expected to focus on the build out of the scaled facility and the machining of parts that will initially be incorporated into the California low-volume production line.

The production aircraft is designed to transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, with a maximum range of 100 miles and a quiet noise profile. The company plans to operate these aircraft as part of aerial ride-sharing networks in cities and communities around the world, starting in 2025, building on partnerships it has developed with Delta and Uber.

An event to celebrate the announcement was held at Hawthorn Hill, the home of Orville Wright, and concluded with a ceremonial flypast of a replica Model B Flyer, the world's first production airplane.

Joby's headquarters, research and development and pilot production facility will remain in California. With approximately 150 open positions across the company's three northern California sites, Joby continues to grow its presence in the state.

Senator JD Vance says: “We want to see Ohio become the research, development and manufacturing hub for the future of military and civilian aerospace technologies. Joby Aviation's new investment is a welcome step toward advancing that goal. I look forward to working with it and wish it the best of luck.”

Gail Grimmett, senior vice president, sustainability performance and strategic partnerships, Delta Air Lines adds: “This is a milestone to celebrate. Joby is one step closer to making eVTOL for commercial use a reality, and at the birthplace of aviation no less. We are excited about our partnership with Joby and how the new manufacturing site will play a critical role in helping Delta deliver a continued elevated and sustainable experience for our customers.”