Delta Airlines has announced the investment of $60 million into an all-electric, vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company Joby Aviation. The investment, which will see passengers of the airline able to reserve a seat on an eVTOL aircraft that will take them from home to the airport, is the start of a multi-year partnership between the airline and the startup company.
The partnership will give the airline’s passengers a top-notch experience travelling from home to the airport.
The airline has since revealed that the passengers will be picked up from their location and taken straight to the airport.
Joby: offering premium service to air travellers
Joby Aviation seeks to provide services to high-paying travellers in New York and Los Angeles while exploring the presence of Delta Airlines in these airports with the new partnership.
The partnership is poised to create strong demand for easy, convenient, and luxurious transit to the airport.
The FAA has cleared Joby after receiving a G-1 safety rating that allows the aircraft to be certified. It has also received its Part 135 operating license.
eVTOL: a promising innovation
Although details of how Joby Aviation intends to pick up the passengers have not been given by Delta Airlines or the startup company, we know that it will go to the passengers to pick them up and not the other way.
Joby Aviation has released a promotional video advertising home-to-airport transport to advertise their new service.
We’ve partnered with @Delta – the world’s leading airline – to deliver a seamless, differentiated experience for Delta customers traveling to and from the airport, alongside our standard airport service. [1/2] pic.twitter.com/5g1WKnY0tX
— Joby Aviation (@jobyaviation) October 11, 2022
The advert implies that the aircraft will go to the passengers wherever they are without explicitly stating whether there will be an eVTOL stop like a bus service or if the aircraft will land in people’s homes or driveways.
Long-term partnership
Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian shared how the partnership will help the airline deliver a world-class service to its customers. Bastian said;
“Delta always looks forward and embraces opportunities to lead the future. We have found in Joby a partner that shares our pioneering spirit and commitment to deliver innovative, seamless experiences that are better for our customers, their journeys, and our world.”
Both companies view their partnership as a long-term profitable venture. The initial investment of $60 million is the first payment of what could amount to a $200 million investment.
The airline has also committed to waiting and investing more money until Joby reaches its next major milestone.
Bastian stressed, “This is a groundbreaking opportunity for Delta to deliver a time-saving, uniquely premium home-to-airport solution for customers in key markets we have been investing and innovating in for many years.”
On the other hand, Joby recognizes that the partnership with Delta Airlines will help drive aviation technology forward. The company sees a bright future partnering with Delta Airlines, according to the CEO of Joby Aviation, JoeBen Bevirt.
“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 honor to be alongside them.”
“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.” – Delta CEO, Ed Bastian. [1/2] pic.twitter.com/hhJ6WPWLrC
— Joby Aviation (@jobyaviation) October 11, 2022
