A company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for passenger service, announced it plans to locate its first major aircraft production facility in Dayton, Ohio, the birthplace of aviation.

The Wright Brothers, who invented and flew the first powered aircraft in the U.S., lived and worked in Dayton and opened the first American airplane factory there in 1910.

Just miles away, Joby Aviation's new facility will be capable of delivering up to 500 aircraft per year at the Dayton International Airport, supporting up to 2,000 new jobs.

The California based company plans to invest up to $500 million to pair with state incentives and a possible loan from the U.S. Department of Energy.

"We're building the future of aviation right where it all started, in Dayton, Ohio," said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby. "The Wright Brothers harnessed revolutionary technology of their time to open up the skies, and we intend to do the same—this time, bringing quiet and emissions-free flight that we hope will have an equally profound impact on our world.

Joby's production aircraft is designed to transport a pilot plus four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (322-kph), with a maximum range of 100 miles and a "revolutionary quiet noise profile" that is barely audible against the backdrop of cities.

The company hopes to redefine urban transportation by operating these aircraft as part of aerial ride-sharing networks in cities around the world, starting in 2025, building on partnerships with Delta and Uber.

Hiring Soon

Joby plans to start hiring in the coming months, with early roles expected to focus on the build out of the scaled facility and the machining of parts that will initially be incorporated into Joby's California low-volume production line. Those interested in applying for roles at Joby's Ohio facility can do it here at www.jobyinohio.com.