Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change Cleaning Up Redux: A Magnificent Woman And Her Flying Machines - Bonny Simi
Aug 27, 2025
Bonny Simi, President of Operations at Joby Aviation, is a trailblazer in electric aviation and a three-time Olympian in luge. She shares her inspiring journey from a childhood love for airplanes to leading innovations in eVTOL technology. Bonny discusses her time at JetBlue, where she founded Technology Ventures, and insights into integrating sustainable advancements in aviation. She also reflects on the resilience gained from her Olympic journey and the importance of embracing personal strengths for career growth.
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Meeting Joby's Founder On A Trail
- While hiking in the Sierras on vacation, Bonny randomly met Joby founder JoeBen Bevirt wearing a Joby T-shirt.
- That serendipitous encounter led to JetBlue investing in Joby and Bonny later advising the company.
VTOL Combines Helicopter Access With Airplane Efficiency
- The Joby aircraft transitions from vertical lift to wing-borne flight, combining helicopter access with airplane efficiency.
- Redundant motors and battery architecture make the design quieter and safer than helicopters.
Battery Density Enables Practical eVTOL Range
- Advances in battery energy density (around 280 Wh/kg) now make four-passenger eVTOLs economically viable.
- Production aircraft aim for roughly 100 miles of range, matching most urban peri-urban trips.