Electrically powered air taxis will start taking to the skies in some states and cities across the U.S. as FAA greenlights for pilot projects. Some of the major cities include New York. The government approved the projects under a program meant to accelerate the integration of air taxis into the US airspace. The US Transportation Department said that it selected eight proposals.

Moreover, it did this under the so-called advanced air mobility and electric vertical takeoff and landing integration pilot program. The program was first outlined in an executive order released by President Donald Trump last year. The government also noted it received more than 30 proposals. The companies approved include Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Joby Aviation, and Wisk.

They are expected to commence electrical aircraft testing as early as this summer. “The three-year program, which will span 26 states, is designed to ensure U.S. companies lead the way in next-gen aircraft used for personal travel, regional transportation, cargo logistics, and emergency medicine,” noted Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. FAA has been fundamental in monitoring aviation projects and those that may hamper air travel such as regulating North America’s tallest Legends Tower. 

Outlook on the FAA Air Taxis Pilot Projects 

The FAA Air taxis pilot projects greenlight is one that companies such as Beta have noted will be fundamental in their prospects. CEO Kyle Clark noted it will allow the company to commence aircraft operations one year earlier than expected. The company is developing a four-passenger piloted eVTOL called Midnight. Moreover, it noted the project will help it prepare for air taxi operations in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games.

“These partnerships will help us better understand how to safely and efficiently integrate these aircraft into the National Airspace System,” FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau noted. Furthermore, he highlighted that the program will provide valuable operational experience that will inform needed standards.

However, pilot program requires companies to partner with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments.  The projects cover several applications of electric aircraft, including urban air taxis and regional flight. Noticeable entities that have taken interest in the program include the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Texas Department of Transportation.

Project Factsheet

• Project Title: FAA Advanced Air Mobility and eVTOL Integration Pilot Program.
• Supervisor: Federal Aviation Administration.
• Monitoring Organization: United States Department of Transportation.
• Program Duration: 3 years
• Geographic Scope: 26 U.S. states
• Pilot Projects Approved: 8
• Total Proposals Received: 30+

Key Companies:

• Archer Aviation
• Beta Technologies
• Joby Aviation
• Wisk Aero

Technology: Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) planes.

Testing Start: Summer 2026

Example Aircraft:

• Developer: Archer Aviation
• Model: Midnight
• Capacity: 4 passengers + pilot

Interested State Entities:

• Port Authority of New Jersey and New York.
• Texas Department of Transportation.

Primary Applications:

• Urban air taxi services
• Regional air mobility
• Cargo logistics
• Ambulatory services.

Status of the project: This project has been approved and is in the pilot program stage.