JetBlue has invested in a little known startup that has been quietly developing an electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVOTL) air taxi.
JetBlue’s VC arm JetBlue Technology Ventures has contributed to Joby Aviation’s Series B funding which has raised $100 million.
The amount invested by JetBlue is unclear and is joined by other major brands including Intel and Toyota.
Joby is developing a five-seater rotor aircraft that it says is faster and quieter than existing helicopters and will be able to fly 150 miles on a single charge.
It is much quieter than existing rotorcraft during takeoff it says.
Joby, which was founded back in 2009, has been testing a fully-electric aircraft prototype and is now focused on developing a commercial ‘transportation-as-a-service’ version.
"At JetBlue Technology Ventures, we believe the regional transportation ecosystem is ripe for disruption and startups like Joby Aviation will revolutionize how people move across urban areas," said Bonny Simi, president, JetBlue Technology Ventures.
"We are excited about the transformative potential of eVTOLs and believe Joby Aviation is the most advanced company in this emerging sector. Its vehicle platform will be the standard to beat."
