Prime Highlights
- FAA accelerates rules for eVTOL aircraft, bringing flying taxis closer to reality in U.S. cities.
- Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation begin early demonstrations, testing passenger rides, cargo delivery, and emergency services.
Key Facts
- Full commercial certification for air taxis is expected between 2026 and 2027, while trial flights could start sooner in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and Miami.
- Joby Aviation, supported by Toyota, is expanding production in California and Ohio, making most parts in-house to create jobs and speed up air taxi operations.
Key Background
The dream of flying taxis is becoming a reality as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) speeds up rules for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These air taxis aim to reduce city traffic by offering short, quick flights across busy areas.
In 2025, the FAA set new rules for pilot training, aircraft safety, and operations for eVTOLs. It is also working with international agencies like EASA to create common global standards.
Full commercial approval is expected between 2026 and 2027, but trial flights and demonstrations could start earlier in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and Miami. The main players are Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Wisk Aero. Joby has been on over 40,000 miles and has been through rigorous test flights in harsh environments in Dubai. Archer plans to showcase its Midnight eVTOL in early demonstrations, focusing on safety, quiet operation, and practical use.
In 2025, the White House started the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), allowing advanced aircraft to run test flights in cities before full FAA approval. Several cities and United Airlines are joining to test passenger rides, cargo delivery, and emergency services.
Joby Aviation, supported by Toyota, is expanding production in California and Ohio and making most parts in-house. This creates jobs and helps launch air taxi services faster.
While infrastructure such as vertiports and charging stations still needs development, the FAA’s progress signals that clean, quiet, and efficient air taxis could soon be a reality above America’s busiest cities. Analysts say these initiatives position the U.S. as a global leader in advanced urban aviation.
