It’s not a helicopter: can this electric aircraft transform New York air travel?
Joby Aviation's electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft has begun test flights from JFK airport to Manhattan, promising a travel time of just 10 minutes. The aircraft is designed to be quieter than traditional helicopters, potentially addressing noise concerns in New York City. With a futuristic design and speeds of up to 200mph, Joby aims to revolutionize urban air travel.
- ▪Joby Aviation's electric aircraft can travel from JFK to Manhattan in about 10 minutes.
- ▪The aircraft is designed to be quieter than helicopters, producing around 45 decibels compared to over 100 decibels for helicopters.
- ▪Joby Aviation emphasizes that their aircraft is not a helicopter, featuring six propellers that allow for vertical takeoff and forward flight.
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Workers and a test pilot prepare a Joby Aviation electric aircraft for takeoff from JFK airport on Monday. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenWorkers and a test pilot prepare a Joby Aviation electric aircraft for takeoff from JFK airport on Monday. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty ImagesNew YorkSuper fly: can an electric aircraft spark a quiet revolution in New York travel?Joby Aviation says its futuristic aircraft reaches Manhattan from JFK in 10 minutes at a ‘premium car service’ priceAdam Gabbatt in New YorkTue 28 Apr 2026 08.00 EDTLast modified on Tue 28 Apr 2026 14.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIt’s neither a bird nor a plane, and it is vehemently not a helicopter, but instead this week some New Yorkers witnessed an “electric vertical takeoff and…
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