Core Viewpoint - The UK has launched a six-month air traffic corridor project between Oxford and Cambridge to test the feasibility of electric air taxis, marking a significant step towards commercial air taxi operations [1] Group 1: Historical Context - The concept of flying cars has been envisioned since 1865, with notable references in literature and media [1] - Early attempts at flying cars, such as those by Glenn Curtiss in 1917, faced technological limitations, resulting in only short-distance flights [2] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The introduction of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft in 2007 by NASA marked a turning point for urban air mobility, allowing for short-distance air travel [2] - Volocopter, founded in 2007, has conducted over 2,000 test flights of its VoloCity eVTOL and is in the certification phase [3] Group 3: Industry Developments - Joby Aviation, a pioneer in the eVTOL space, received its air carrier certificate in 2022 and successfully completed a public airport flight [4] - Vertical Aerospace's VX4 eVTOL also completed its first public flight test in May 2023 [4] Group 4: Market Potential - eVTOL air taxis can avoid ground traffic congestion, operate at cruising speeds of 150 to 250 km/h, and have lower operational costs compared to traditional helicopters [5][6] - The International Civil Aviation Organization has praised eVTOLs for their potential in green transportation and urban air mobility [6] Group 5: Investment and Partnerships - Major airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines are investing heavily in eVTOL technology, with American Airlines investing $25 million in Vertical Aerospace [6] - Virgin Atlantic and Korean Air have also formed partnerships with Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, respectively, to promote air taxi services [7] Group 6: Regulatory Challenges - The industry faces significant regulatory hurdles, particularly long certification processes that can strain financial resources [7] - Germany's Volocopter has encountered funding difficulties due to delays in obtaining airworthiness certification [7] Group 7: Global Perspectives - China's Civil Aviation Administration has been recognized for its innovative regulatory approach, significantly reducing the certification timeline for eVTOLs [8] - Experts suggest that other countries should adopt similar regulatory frameworks to accelerate the development and commercialization of eVTOL technology [8]

Core Viewpoint - Joby Aviation has priced its underwritten offering of 30.5 million shares at $16.85 per share, aiming to raise funds to support its certification and manufacturing efforts, prepare for commercial operations, and supplement general working capital and other corporate purposes [1] Group 1 - The offering consists of 30.5 million shares priced at $16.85 each [1] - The funds raised will be used for certification and manufacturing work, preparing for commercial operations, and general corporate purposes [1] - Underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 4.575 million shares [1]

智通财经APP获悉，电动空中出租车开发商Joby Aviation(JOBY.US)宣布已成功完成美国联邦航空管理局 (FAA)管制空域内两个机场间的试飞。该公司股价在周五盘初上涨，截至发稿，涨6.3%，报18.47美元。 这一成就标志着该公司向商业市场应用迈出重大进展，也是其获得FAA载人空中出租车认证的关键一 步。此次飞行在加利福尼亚州玛丽娜和蒙特雷两个机场之间进行，总飞行时间12分钟，航程10海里，其 中包括在蒙特雷机场上空与其他飞机交互时进行的5分钟等待盘旋。 这是全球首次有驾驶员的电动垂直起降(eVTOL)空中出租车实现公共机场间飞行，同时展示了Joby Aviation进行多次试飞及远程提供全面地面支持的能力。 此次双机场试飞成功为Joby Aviation近期成就再添新篇，包括：在迪拜成功试飞、与L3Harris合作开发 军用垂直起降飞机、收购Blade Air Mobility公司，以及计划扩建加州工厂实现产能翻倍。 受此推动，Joby Aviation股价较去年上涨250%，仅过去六个月涨幅就达121%，远超同期标普500指数 6%的涨幅。 ...