Electric air taxis set for testing across 26 US states

Electric air taxis could soon begin test flights across much of the United States after the Federal Aviation Administration approved a series of pilot programs aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation aircraft.

The FAA has selected eight projects that will allow companies including Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Joby Aviation, and Wisk Aero to begin large-scale testing of electric aircraft as early as this summer.

The three-year initiative will span 26 states and is designed to help the United States lead the development of advanced aircraft used for personal travel, regional transportation, cargo logistics and emergency medical services. 

The program was announced through an executive order issued by Donald Trump.

Known as the Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program, the initiative allows companies to test electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft before receiving full regulatory certification — a process that can take years.

Interest in eVTOL aircraft has surged in recent years as startups promise fleets of urban air taxis capable of short regional trips. 

However, bringing the aircraft into commercial operation requires extensive testing and significant investment.

Several regional partnerships are planned. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will work with multiple companies to test urban air-taxi operations, while the Texas Department of Transportation will explore regional routes linking Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and potentially Houston.

Other projects will test cargo transport, emergency response missions and autonomous flight systems.