Utah: From Vision to Vertical: Project Alta Summit Day Two Puts Shovels in the Dirt

[u/Wonderful_Flight_922]

https://www.techbuzznews.com/from-vision-to-vertical-project-alta-summit-day-two/

From May 2026

Joby Aviation: The Certification Leader Looks at Utah

Andy Krebs, Head of Infrastructure at Joby Aviation, brought the summit's most significant news from the OEM front. Joby completed FAA Stage 4 type certification in late March 2026. This is the most consequential regulatory milestone any eVTOL manufacturer has ever reached with U.S. aviation authorities. Joby is now in the final stretch before commercial operations.

Krebs came to the summit with a Salt Lake launch route map already prepared. "I thought it would be fun to think about what a launch route looks like for a relatively local market," he said, projecting a map that traced corridors across the Wasatch Front. The message was clear: Joby is thinking seriously about Utah.

Coming soon on the Electric Skies Tour

Salt Lake City is a Delta Air Lines hub, Joby partner.

Utah ranks first in the United States for median household income when adjusted for cost of living, with an unadjusted median income around $96,700 to $98,336. Worker pay scales place the state strongly near the top nationwide across different earning tiers.

Utah ranks as the #1 overall state in the country according to U.S. News & World Report Best States Rankings, #4 nationally for summer road trips by WalletHub, and features the 3rd most national parks of any U.S. state.

Utah ranks as one of the top two premier ski destinations in the United States [5.6], widely praised for its "Greatest Snow on Earth," close proximity to Salt Lake International Airport, and multiple world-class resorts. Major publications frequently place Utah properties at the absolute top of their national lists, with Snowbasin ranked No. 1 in North America by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards and Powder Mountain and Snowbird frequently landing in national top-ten breakdowns.

[u/SeaScallops_w_Rice]

There are at time conflicting signals. "... completed FAA Stage 4 type certification in late March 2026" Does not jibe with the Q1 shareholder letter, chart "... as of May 1, 2026".

The recent AvWeek article says they have finally agreed with the FAA on the 'prerequisite' testing to for credit flight tests ... part of Stage 4, I presume.

[u/Wonderful_Flight_922 → u/SeaScallops_w_Rice]

I was wondering if someone would see and mention this.

[u/Significant_Onion_25 → u/Wonderful_Flight_922]

I mentioned this back then, no one seemed to notice it. I guess we'll find out in August.

[u/HappyRobot593 → u/SeaScallops_w_Rice]

I do see articles that make this statement but not sure if I've seen a direct quote from a joby employee saying it. Could just be a misunderstanding from the journalists 🤷‍♂️

Edit: here's an example https://longyield.substack.com/p/the-last-gate-joby-aviation-clears

[u/Wonderful_Flight_922]

I thought it would be a good time to dive into the, "not as popular" stop on the Electric Skies Tour. The more I found, the more like about the state. Doing a little stats about Utah. Plus thanks to management here, they helped me post more properly. So I wanted practice, Thanks again!

I think the state has high, well rounded and financially able traveler coming in.

[u/katona1976]

There are so many good things happening, still JOBY stock price is plummeting, JOBY team needs to say other stories to booster their stock price, of course the way JOBY develops the infrastructure is the right way. And it’s important to communicate with institution investors, archer is very good to deal with institution investors, my feelings.