Joby says Cessna Caravan completed autonomous flight across the US — AeroTime
US company Joby Aviation said that a modified Cessna 208B Caravan aircraft completed a 3,199-mile flight across the United States without any intervention by the safety pilot in the controls. The aircraft independently taxied, took off and landed during a staged journey from California to the Outer Banks area of North Carolina.
As AeroTime reports, the company announced the completion of the flight on September 18, 2026, and called it the first fully autonomous flight across the United States. A safety pilot was on board and could have taken control, but according to Joby, did not intervene in the controls throughout the route.
Route and remote control
The aircraft, designated J208, departed Concord, California, on September 8. On its eastbound route, it stopped in Phoenix, Fort Worth and at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, after which it autonomously landed at Dare County Regional Airport. Near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Caravan also made an autonomous flight near the Wright Brothers First Flight Memorial.
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The flight was monitored by a remote pilot acting as the pilot in command, who updated the flight plan and maintained contact with air traffic controllers via onboard radios. Ground personnel provided oversight from distances of up to 2,300 miles from the aircraft.
Technology for cargo and passenger transportation
To develop its autonomous systems, Joby acquired Xwing's autonomous flight division in June 2024. Before the demonstration tour began, the system had completed more than 400 flights and accumulated 800 hours of automated flight in controlled and uncontrolled airspace, according to Joby.
The flight is part of a month-long technology demonstration tour that the company plans to use for cargo transportation, medical cargo deliveries and support for military operations. Joby is also developing an electric vertical takeoff and landing air taxi for a pilot and four passengers. The company said that at the initial stage of passenger transportation, a pilot will be on board such an aircraft.
