The Trump administration has unveiled a pilot program to accelerate the use of electric air taxis, a move aimed at establishing U.S. dominance in airspace technology.
The program will also include piloted and unmanned operations that focus on electric air taxis, also called an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft or eVTOL, that can help with delivering cargo and supplies.
This is not the first time the FAA has considered air taxis for future use.
The company on Friday announced plans to participate in the pilot program.
“We’ll demonstrate that air taxis can operate safely and quietly,” Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein said in a statement.
In an effort to establish U.S. leadership, the Trump administration has announced a pilot program to expedite the use of electric air taxis. S. supremacy of airspace technology.
On Friday, the Department of Transportation announced that the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) of the Federal Aviation Administration will create “new frameworks and regulations for enabling safe operations” and collaborate with state and local governments and private sector businesses.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement Friday that “the next great technological revolution in aviation is here.”. “By setting the example, the US will solidify its position as a world leader in transportation innovation. This translates into more economic opportunity and well-paying manufacturing jobs. “,”.
According to the department, the program will consist of a minimum of five pilot projects and will continue for three years after the initial project is operational. In order to assist with the delivery of supplies and cargo, the program will also involve piloted and unpiloted operations that concentrate on electric air taxis, also known as electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOL. Additionally, the plane will be used to test how well they perform in emergency scenarios like airlifts and medical transports.
Under the program, unpiloted and piloted aircraft that might be able to carry passengers could be tested before undergoing the years-long FAA certification process. In order to fly commercially, an aircraft must be certified by the FAA before it can carry passengers or cargo.
The FAA has previously contemplated using air taxis in the future.
A California-based aviation company called Joby Aviation submitted a plan to the FAA in June 2023 to start testing an electric flying taxi prototype. The company declared its intention to take part in the pilot program on Friday.
Joby’s chief policy officer, Greg Bowles, said in a statement, “We’ve spent more than 15 years building the aircraft technology and operational capabilities that are defining advanced aerial mobility, and we’re ready to bring our services to communities.”. “We’re excited to deliver early operations in cities and states across the country and show off the maturity of our aircraft. “..”.
On Friday, Archer Aviation announced that it would also be joining the program.
Adam Goldstein, the founder and CEO of Archer, said in a statement, “We’ll show that air taxis can run safely and quietly.”. “These initial flights will foster American dominance in cutting-edge aviation and pave the way for expanded commercial operations in the United States.”. S. and outside of it. “,”.
The Federal Aviation Administration said in an unpublished federal notice about the program that will be made public on Tuesday that it is taking proposals and that at least five participants will be chosen.
