Downtown Skyport welcomed New York City’s first point-to-point electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft flights as part of Joby Aviation’s “2026 Electric Skies Tour,” marking a milestone for advanced air mobility operations in Manhattan.Skyports Infrastructure said the campaign ran from April 23 to May 1 and included five Joby aircraft landings at Downtown Skyport, which served as the primary Manhattan operations and charging hub during the week-long program. The facility is currently the only commercial vertical aviation site in Manhattan capable of supporting eVTOL charging.During the campaign, Joby operated flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport, Downtown Skyport, and the West 30th Street and East 34th Street heliports. The routes reflect proposed commercial services designed to connect Lower Manhattan and Midtown with JFK in less than 10 minutes.On April 28, Joby and Skyports hosted a demonstration event at Downtown Skyport for government officials and local stakeholders. Following a flight from JFK, Joby showcased the aircraft’s vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and low-noise performance.Skyports said the successful landings advance plans to transition Downtown Skyport into a hybrid facility serving both helicopters and eVTOL aircraft. Under its concession agreement with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Skyports committed to making the facility advanced air mobility-ready. The company is planning permanent rapid-charging infrastructure, expected to be operational in 2027.“These landings demonstrate how eVTOL flights can already be supported by the infrastructure at Downtown Skyport and be seamlessly integrated into our existing operations,” said Addison Ferrell, director of infrastructure at Skyports Infrastructure.Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt said the flights signal progress toward quiet, zero-emissions air taxi service in the city, building on earlier New York test flights conducted in 2023.

2026-06-11 - Downtown Skyport hosts New York’s first point-to-point eVTOL flights during Joby tour (UAS Magazine)

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Downtown Skyport hosted New York City’s first point-to-point eVTOL flights during Joby Aviation’s April–May “Electric Skies Tour,” supporting five landings and showcasing Manhattan’s readiness for future electric air taxi operations.

Downtown Skyport hosts New York’s first point-to-point eVTOL flights during Joby tour

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