Electric Taxi Flies Historic Bay Route

The air taxi completed a 23 minute trip across Tampa Bay on Friday. The flight retraced the exact path of the world's first scheduled commercial airline service, which operated 112 years ago.

California-based Joby Aviation flew its piloted, all-electric aircraft from Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport. The demonstration opened a week of flights across Florida. These tests aim to determine how electric aircraft can function within the state's transportation network.

The route has deep local roots. On Jan. 1, 1914, pilot Tony Jannus carried former St. Petersburg Mayor Abe Pheil across the bay in a Benoist flying boat. The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line charged $5 for the one-way ticket. The original journey took approximately 23 minutes.

Joby's aircraft uses a different technology. It takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. It then transitions to forward flight using electric propulsion. The vehicle is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers. It has a projected top speed of 200 mph and a range of about 100 miles.

The state is preparing for this shift. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1093 in April. The law authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation to fund vertiport infrastructure. FDOT has planned for advanced air mobility since 2021. The department is also building SunTrax Air, a testing facility near Interstate 4.

Friday's flight was part of the FAA's electric vertical takeoff and landing Integration Pilot Program. Florida is one of eight selected projects. The program collects data on airport operations, noise levels, and vertiport procedures. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the flights will provide information for safety standards.

The demonstration continues at Orlando International Airport. A vertiport is located near Terminal C and the airport train station. Flights are also planned at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Joby is still in the FAA certification process. The company has not announced a launch date, ticket prices, or a permanent St. Petersburg route.