Dayton Reporter

On Sep 22nd, State Rep. Adam Holmes, Chairman of the House Aviation and Aerospace Committee, joined Joby Aviation's announcement of a new $500 million manufacturing facility in the Miami Valley Region, which will create 2,000 jobs and focus on developing an entirely electric aircraft capable of traveling up to 100 miles with a pilot and four passengers, further enhancing Ohio's prominence in aviation and aerospace development.

State Rep. Adam Holmes, Chairman of the House Aviation and Aerospace Committee, celebrated Joby Aviation's decision to establish a $500 million manufacturing plant in Ohio's Miami Valley Region for the development of an all-electric aircraft capable of traveling up to 100 miles with a pilot and four passengers, emphasizing Ohio's growing prominence in aviation and aerospace and the economic benefits of this project, which will create 2,000 jobs in the state.

Joby Aviation, a California-based company, has unveiled ambitious plans to build Dayton, Ohio's first full-scale aircraft manufacturing facility by 2025. This facility will focus on producing electric aircraft and represents a substantial $500 million investment, set to generate 2,000 job opportunities at the Dayton International Airport. This development is a historical milestone for Dayton, recalling its aviation heritage dating back to the Wright brothers, and it positions the region as a hub for electric-powered air travel. Additionally, Joby Aviation's expansion complements a recent $4.4 billion Honda/LG investment in electric vehicles in the Dayton region, further solidifying Montgomery County's status as a leader in electric transportation. Dayton's collaborative community spirit, adaptable higher education institutions, and strong supplier network make it well-equipped to capitalize on this significant economic growth opportunity in the aviation manufacturing sector.

"Ohio’s legacy in aviation leadership begins with the Wright Brothers and continues now with Joby Aviation, as they launch a new era in advanced aviation manufacturing and aerial mobility in Dayton,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. “The aircraft that will roll off Joby Ohio’s production lines will redefine urban transportation and contribute to a transformational change in the way people and goods travel.”

“We’re building the future of aviation right where it all started, in Dayton, Ohio,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby. “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.”

Joby Aviation is set to establish a significant aircraft manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, by 2025, which will play a crucial role in their mission to introduce air taxis to major U.S. cities like New York and Los Angeles by the same year. This strategic choice aligns with the historical significance of Dayton in aviation, with its Wright brothers heritage and proximity to key Air Force institutions. The facility will initially span around 580,000 square feet at Dayton International Airport, with potential for expansion as production scales up. Joby's recent partnership with Edwards Air Force Base and support from local stakeholders highlight the growing interest in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology. This decision positions Joby Aviation as a leader in the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry and marks a significant milestone in the development of urban air mobility solutions.