Electric air taxis are about to take flight in 26 states

The Federal Aviation Administration approved eight pilot programs that will allow a handful of companies, including Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Joby Aviation, and Wisk, to begin widespread electric aircraft testing as early as this summer across 26 states.

“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved eight pilot programs that will allow a handful of companies, including Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Joby Aviation, and Wisk to start widespread electric aircraft testing as early as this summer”

TechCrunch

The three-year initiative, named the Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program, was announced last year through an executive order by President Donald Trump.

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Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the program is designed to ensure U.S. companies lead development of next-generation aircraft for personal travel, regional transportation, cargo logistics, and emergency medicine.

The pilot program will let companies test electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) before they receive full FAA certification, a process the article describes as multi-year.

FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau said the partnerships will help the agency and companies understand how to integrate these aircraft into the National Airspace System.

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Rocheleau said the partnerships will also provide operational experience that will inform safety standards.

The FAA received 30 proposals for the program.

TechCrunch reports the program could accelerate development timelines and affect public markets.

“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved eight pilot programs that will allow a handful of companies, including Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Joby Aviation, and Wisk to start widespread electric aircraft testing as early as this summer”

TechCrunch

Beta Technologies founder and CEO Kyle Clark said selection will allow his company to start operations one year earlier than anticipated.

Beta's stock rose nearly 12% Monday.

Archer and Joby also saw stock jumps.

Archer said the program will help build trust and establish a playbook for safely scaling electric air taxis.

Archer said the program will prepare for air taxi operations in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games with its four-passenger piloted eVTOL called Midnight.

Projects require partnerships with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments and cover urban air taxis, regional flight, cargo delivery, medical response, and automation.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is working with Archer, Beta, Electra, and Joby on a dozen operational concepts, including one based out of a Manhattan heliport.

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The Texas Department of Transportation is partnering with Archer, Beta, Joby, and Wisk to test regional routes connecting Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and eventually Houston.

A Utah-led project is testing concepts across the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Plains of Oklahoma.

A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation project spans 13 states.

Beta and Elroy Air are testing cargo and personnel transportation into the Gulf of America and to energy industry locations in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi.

The city of Albuquerque is working with Reliable Robotics to test autonomous operations.