Joby Aviation has received its Part 145 repair station certificate from the FAA, qualifying the company to perform select maintenance activities on aircraft and marking another key step on the path to commercialising its electric air taxi service.

This lays the foundation for it to perform MRO services on its eVTOL aircraft once it is certified for commercial operations.

Present of operations Bonny Simi says: "This approval marks another foundational piece of Joby's vertically-integrated strategy, including aircraft development, manufacturing, charging systems, commercial flight operations and now maintenance operations, as we prepare to bring our revolutionary eVTOL aircraft to market. Receiving our Part 145 certificate from the FAA is an important step towards developing the needed maintenance, repair and overhaul services to support Joby's commercial flight operations, as well as establishing career pipelines for people who want to become eVTOL aircraft technicians."

Under the Part 145 certificate, Joby will begin performing select airframe, radio and instrument repairs on traditional aircraft, with plans to expand its MRO services in the coming months and years. The certificate also allows Joby to provide paid on-the-job training to aspiring aircraft technicians.

Separately, Archer Aviation has also received Part 145 certification.

In 2022, Joby partnered with Aviation High School in Queens, New York, to develop local talent and integrate course materials on electric propulsion systems for students, preparing graduates for career opportunities in the next generation of quiet, emissions-free flight.