Archer vs Joby: Which eVTOL air taxi company is ahead in 2026?

The US electric air taxi race is coming down to two names: Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation.

Both are developing four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Both plan early US operations in 2026. They are also building factories, working with major airlines and preparing launch markets in the UAE.

But if the race is judged by how close each company is to carrying passengers, Joby still appears to have the edge.

Archer vs Joby: Who is ahead in FAA certification?

FAA certification is one of the biggest hurdles facing both companies.

Archer announced in May that it had completed Phase 3 of the FAA’s four-phase type certification process for Midnight. However, that does not necessarily mean Archer is ahead.

Joby has moved further into physical aircraft testing. Its first FAA-conforming aircraft flew in March 2026. It was built to the design Joby wants the FAA to approve and will be used for Type Inspection Authorisation testing.

That allows FAA pilots to conduct flight tests for credit towards certification.

The certification process itself has been evolving. As AGN previously reported, the FAA issued new guidance in 2025 setting out a clearer path for powered-lift aircraft such as Midnight and Joby’s eVTOL.

Archer has made fast progress through its certification plans. But Joby has the more mature FAA aircraft test programme.

How do Archer Midnight and Joby’s eVTOL aircraft compare?

The two aircraft have similar missions.

Archer’s Midnight carries a pilot and four passengers. It uses 12 propellers, six of which tilt. Archer lists a range of up to 100 miles and speeds of up to 150mph.

However, Midnight is designed mainly for short flights of around 20 miles. Archer wants it to make repeated trips with short charging stops between flights.

Joby’s aircraft also carries a pilot and four passengers. It has six tilting propellers, a maximum range of around 100 miles and speeds of up to 200mph.

Joby has built up more flight experience. Archer’s piloted Midnight programme began later, although the company is expanding its flight envelope.

Both are also preparing for early US operations. AGN reported in March on the aircraft expected to participate in the US eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, which is designed to enable advanced air mobility aircraft to operate before full commercial deployment.

Which company is better prepared or eVTOL production?

Archer is developing its main production operation in Covington, Georgia, with support from Stellantis. It has outlined plans for production capacity of hundreds of Midnight aircraft per year.

Joby also plans to expand production in California and Ohio, targeting capacity of four aircraft per month in 2027. Toyota is a major investor and manufacturing partner. 

Archer has the more aggressive near-term production plan. Joby has the backing of one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers.

However, neither has yet proved it can mass-produce certified eVTOL aircraft.

Why is Dubai becoming Joby’s launch market?

The UAE may become the first place where passengers can judge these aircraft for themselves.

Joby has focused on Dubai. It has a six-year exclusive agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and has already flown its aircraft in the emirate.

Joby’s first Dubai eVTOL flights were followed by point-to-point operations in the UAE and plans for additional vertiports.

Joby also plans to integrate its air taxi service with Uber. As AGN explained earlier this year, the partnership would let passengers book Joby air-taxi journeys through Uber’s platform.

Dubai is building one of the world’s most developed electric air taxi ecosystems, including aircraft, vertiports, regulatory support and a passenger booking platform.

Can Archer gain an advantage through Abu Dhabi?

Archer’s Launch Edition is through Abu Dhabi Aviation operating Midnight aircraft with support from Archer personnel.

Midnight has already completed flights in the UAE, including testing in the region’s hot climate.

AGN reported on those extreme-temperature trials in July 2025.

The UAE has since become far more important to Archer. Speaking to AGN at the Dubai Airshow, Archer described the country as effectively its second home market, with plans covering aircraft operations, infrastructure and potentially local manufacturing.

Joby is better positioned in Dubai. Archer could have an important route into service through Abu Dhabi.

The UAE is effectively a tie for both eVTOL innovators. 

Which company has the stronger commercial partnerships?

The companies have also attracted major transport partners in the US.

United Airlines has backed Archer since 2021. The companies have proposed air taxi networks connecting airports with city centres in New York and Chicago.

Archer and United have already outlined a planned New York network connecting Manhattan with major airports.

Archer is also working with Southwest Airlines and is the official air taxi provider for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Joby has partnered with Delta Air Lines for airport transfers in New York and Los Angeles.

Its relationship with Uber could be equally important. Joby wants air taxis to become another option in a broader ground-and-air transport journey.

Joby’s acquisition of Blade’s passenger business gives it something else Archer lacks: an existing urban aviation customer base and infrastructure.

Instead of creating every part of its network from scratch, Joby could replace some existing helicopter trips with eVTOL flights.

The company has already begun demonstrating the concept. AGN reported in April that Joby had launched its first point-to-point eVTOL flights in New York.

Archer vs Joby: Who is ahead in 2026?

Neither Archer nor Joby has reached large-scale commercial passenger service, so there is no clear winner yet.

Archer’s production plans are ambitious. United is a strong airline partner. LA28 gives it a major US target. Its Abu Dhabi programme could also provide an early route into passenger service.

However, Joby currently appears closer to the finish line. Its certification aircraft is further into FAA testing. It has accumulated more piloted flight experience. Dubai provides a well-developed launch market. Delta, Uber and Blade give it a strong passenger transport network.

For now, Joby has the lead in commercial readiness. But Archer is closing the gap.

The real test will come when the companies move beyond prototypes and demonstrations. The ultimate winner of this race will be the company that can gain regulatory approval, safely carry passengers and repeat those flights at a useful scale.