Former FAA chief Michael Huerta named chairman of Joby board

Former Federal Aviation Administration FAA head Michael Huerta was named the chairman of the board of directors on Friday by WASHINGTON Joby Aviation, which is developing electrical aircraft to operate as air taxis.

Joby is hoping to win FAA certification for its vertical take-off and landing aircraft ahead of the start of planned passenger service in 2025.

Joby Executive Chairman Paul Sciarra said that 2023 will be a pivotal year for making real progress in that process, and that Huerta will be bringing perspective to that work.

Huerta served as FAA administrator from 2013 to 2018 after three years as a deputy administrator. In 2018 he joined Delta Air Lines, which invested $60 million in Joby for a 2 per cent equity stake.

As we prepare for commercial operations, Huerta's seat will be invaluable, according to Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt. The FAA issued airworthiness criteria for Joby to certify its Model JAS 4 -- 1 aircraft in November. The agency is working on finalizing special regulations on commercial operations and training for such aircraft.

Bevirt said if the FAA releases its proposed rules for public comment in June, he expects that they will be implemented by the end of 2024.