It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s an air taxi: First test takes flight out of JFK

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and aviation company Joby conducted the first air taxi demonstration in New York City on Monday.

The aircraft took flight out of the John F. Kennedy International Airport towards the West 30th heliport. It then headed to the Downtown Skyport in Wall Street before making its way back to JFK.

This piloted demonstration was the first point-to-point electric vertical takeoff and landing, known as eVTOL, in New York City. It appeared to go smoothly.

The push comes after the Port Authority was selected for a federal program to test “next-generation” electric aircraft.

“Instead of hopping in your car this afternoon for perhaps maybe more than an hour on the Belt Parkway, I could just be zipping to lower Manhattan,” said PANY executive director Catherine Garcia.

Joby says these air taxis are emission-free and 100 times quieter than helicopters. They are also battery-powered.

The project does not yet have FAA certification but is in the final stages to be cleared for commercial flights.