Delta makes $60m investment in Joby

Delta Air Lines is making a $60m investment in Joby Aviation as part of a multi-year partnership that could see it inject up to $200m in the eVTOL developer.

Described by the firms as a “first-of-its-kind arrangement”, Joby and Delta will assimilate operations to allow Delta fliers in New York and Los Angeles to reserve a seat to and from city airports.

With the opportunity to expand the total investment up to $200m, the companies will work together on simplifying booking, transit and saving time. This will run alongside Joby’s standard airport service in priority markets.

At present, the partnership will be mutually exclusive across the US and UK for five years.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said: “Delta always looks forward and embraces opportunities to lead the future, and we’ve found in Joby a partner that shares our pioneering spirit and commitment to delivering innovative, seamless experiences that are better for our customers, their journeys, and our world.”

Joby’s aircraft has now flown more than 1,000 test flights. The company was the first eVTOL developer to be granted a G-1 (Stage 4) Certification Basis for its aircraft by the FAA and recently received its Part 135 Air Carrier Certification.

Joby founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt said: “We share Delta’s unwavering commitment to delivering seamless and sustainable journeys to customers. Their history of innovation, along with their vast operational expertise and leadership on climate change, make them incredible partners for Joby, and it’s an honour to be working alongside them.”

Allison Ausband, executive vice president and chief customer experience officer, Delta added: “Delta is differentiating and amplifying the customer experience with premium products, choices and solutions across the journey. Addressing what matters most to our customers is foundational to our focus, and our work with Joby is the latest in a series of ways we’re making the experience of travel more seamless, enjoyable and wait-free.”