In a significant push toward modernizing urban air transportation, the Trump administration has launched a pilot program designed to advance the deployment of electric air taxis in the United States. The initiative, announced by the Department of Transportation on Friday, is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). This program aims to create new regulatory frameworks that ensure safe operations while fostering collaboration with private sector companies and various government entities.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the potential for this program to position the U.S. at the forefront of aviation innovation, declaring, “The next great technological revolution in aviation is here.” He highlighted that such advancements would not only bolster the nation’s global leadership in transportation technology but also generate high-paying jobs and new economic opportunities.
The eIPP is set to feature at least five pilot projects over a span of three years following the initiation of the first project. These projects will involve both piloted and unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with the intention of exploring their capabilities for cargo transport and emergency services, including medical transport and airlift operations.
One notable aspect of the program is its provision for testing aircraft that have not yet achieved FAA certification—a regulatory requirement that can often prolong the development timeline for new aviation technologies. This flexibility will allow for the demonstration of both piloted and unmanned operations, paving the way for faster adoption of these innovative aircraft in commercial settings.
The FAA’s renewed interest in air taxis comes on the heels of a June 2023 approval for Joby Aviation, a California-based company, to commence test flights for its electric flying taxi prototype. Joby’s chief policy officer, Greg Bowles, welcomed this pilot program, stating the company has invested over 15 years in developing the necessary technology and is eager to commence operations in various communities nationwide.
Archer Aviation is another company that has expressed intentions to participate in the eIPP. Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein noted that their involvement would demonstrate the safety and efficiency of air taxi operations. He underscored the significance of these early flights in solidifying American leadership in advanced aviation technologies while setting the groundwork for scalable commercial operations both domestically and internationally.
As the FAA prepares to refine the selection process for participants, it is set to invite proposals, with a minimum of five companies anticipated to be chosen to take part in this groundbreaking initiative. The details of this process will be made public in an unpublished federal notice expected to be released soon.
