Electric air taxi developers Joby Aviation and Archer plan to deploy aircraft in multiple U.S. states as part of a federal pilot program designed to test how electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles operate in real-world conditions.
The eVTOL Integration Pilot Program aims to accelerate regulatory progress and infrastructure development by facilitating early operations as advanced air mobility aircraft are integrated into the national airspace.
Other aircraft developers participating in the program include BETA Technologies, Electra and Wisk, alongside companies testing hybrid-electric and autonomous aviation technologies.
Joby Aviation announced its selection as a partner in five successful applications that will enable the company to begin operations across 10 states ahead of full Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval. Participation could accelerate the path toward commercial service.
“Instead of just reading about the future of flight, communities across America are going to be able to see it in the skies above their own cities this year,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation.
Archer said in a press release it was selected to deploy its Midnight aircraft in collaboration with state and local government partners in Texas, Florida and New York. Midnight is Archer’s piloted electric air taxi designed to carry up to four passengers.
The company plans to establish infrastructure and local capabilities ahead of flights, set to begin in the second half of 2026. The effort is expected to provide operational experience and increase public exposure to the technology.
“This is the clearest sign yet from the White House, the FAA and the DOT that bringing air taxis to market in the United States is a real priority,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer.
eVTOL aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically like helicopters but use electric propulsion systems that proponents say can reduce noise and emissions.
Although the sector has experienced consolidation in recent years, investors including Delta, United Airlines, Uber and Toyota continue to bet on the technology as developers work toward launching commercial air taxi service in major cities.