The Trump administration has launched a new pilot program to fast-track the rollout of flying air taxis, as companies push to clear regulatory hurdles in advanced air mobility.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said at least five projects will be carried out through public-private partnerships with governments and private firms to prepare electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for safe operations. Joby Aviation welcomed the move, noting it could allow limited services ahead of full FAA certification.
Air taxi makers are racing to commercialize eVTOLs, designed for short urban trips and airport transfers, as demand grows for faster, greener transport. Similar efforts are underway in India, China and the UAE, with passenger operations possibly starting as soon as next year.
FAA chief Bryan Bedford said lessons from the pilot projects will guide nationwide deployment. The trials will explore passenger and cargo services, medical transport, emergency response and offshore energy support, using piloted or unmanned aircraft weighing over 599 kilograms. The FAA finalized training and pilot certification rules for air taxis in late 2024.
Credit : CGTN