Joby Aviation completes first autonomous US coast-to-coast flight

Joby Aviation has completed the first fully autonomous coast-to-coast flight across the continental United States. The journey covered 3,199 miles (5,148 km), traveling from Concord, California, to Dare County Regional Airport in North Carolina.

The aircraft, a modified Cessna 208B Grand Caravan turboprop, operated without any control inputs from the onboard safety pilot. The flight demonstrated the ability to perform autonomous taxiing, takeoffs, course navigation, and landings. The system also proved capable of navigating high-density airspace, such as Phoenix Deer Valley, and maneuvering around severe weather and thunderstorms in real time.

To facilitate the demonstration, Joby integrated its J208 autonomous technology—acquired through the 2024 acquisition of Xwing—into a certified airframe. This approach allowed the company to operate under an FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certificate while proving that autonomous systems can be retrofitted onto existing, pre-certified aircraft. The mission tested various capabilities, including interaction with air traffic control, cargo logistics, and tactical military readiness.