Joby Aviation, a transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) that it intends to operate as a commercial passenger aircraft beginning in 2024, has announced the appointment of Dan Elwell as an advisor.
Elwell served as deputy and acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from June 2017 to November 2020, responsible for the safety and efficiency of the world’s single largest aerospace system, and had oversight of the FAA’s multibillion-dollar NextGen air traffic control modernization program. He previously served as senior advisor on aviation to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and as the FAA’s assistant administrator for Policy, Planning and Environment. Elwell’s government service followed a long and successful career as a military and commercial pilot.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dan to our Advisory Board at this exciting time for Joby Aviation,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “Dan brings a rare combination of in-the-air, public policy and corporate expertise, gained over decades of working in both the government and private sector. His unique perspective, and the insight he can offer around aircraft certification and airline operations, will be invaluable to Joby as we move towards introducing our service in 2024.”
Commenting on his appointment, Elwell added: “JoeBen’s vision of saving a billion people an hour a day is going to change how we look at air travel. I’m excited to join such a dedicated and passionate team of aviators.”
Elwell was a commercial pilot for 16 years with American Airlines and also served as Managing Director for International and Government Affairs at American Airlines. He earned his pilot wings at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs. While in the military, Elwell logged more than 6,000 hours of combined civilian and military flight time in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Force Reserve, including combat service during Operation Desert Storm. He currently serves on several private and public boards, including Alaska Air Group.
Elwell joins the Advisory Board as Joby prepares to merge with Reinvent Technology Partners, a special purpose acquisition company. Upon the closing of the transaction, the combined company will be named Joby Aviation, and become publicly traded, with its common stock expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.