The United States has taken a significant step in the race for global leadership in electric air taxis. Led by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Trump administration has launched a three-year pilot program to test electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL) in real-world conditions. This initiative allows the vehicles to be inspected in the field before completing certification.

Electric air taxis will be put into service

This project, called the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), is starting with a minimum of five participants. The program will test manned and remotely piloted aircraft in various areas, including passenger transport, cargo logistics, and emergency medical response. The program builds on the limited flight permits previously granted by the FAA.

Jobby Aviation and Archer Aviation, two leading companies in the industry, have also announced their participation in the program. Greg Bowles, policy chief at Joby Aviation, which received approval to test its eVTOL prototype in 2023, stated that eVTOLs could enter limited service in certain regions after more than 15 years of development. Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation, stated that their primary goal is to prove that these vehicles can be used safely and quietly in cities.

The FAA announced that the program will involve close collaboration between federal regulators, state and local governments, and private sector companies. This approach, previously used for drone integration, allows for testing the technology in controlled environments.

The pilot program allows for large-scale trials, providing both regulators with the opportunity to collect data and the public with a visualization of how air taxis can be integrated into urban transportation. During this process, each aircraft is still required to obtain full certification from the FAA.