Courtesy: Archer Aviation
The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday it would launch a pilot program to speed up the deployment of air taxis.
Archer Airlines and Joby Aviationthe main players in electric vertical takeoff and landing, or Evtol, Space said they are participating in the program. Each shares were high on Friday.
The program will establish at least five projects through public-private partnerships with state and local governments to promote the safe use of EVTOL aircraft.
“This is where the next great technological revolution in aviation lies,” US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in the release. “The United States will lead the way and in doing so will solidify America’s position as a global leader in transport innovation.”
Archer said a US supervised trial could begin soon next year ahead of the FAA certification. Joby is expected to begin FAA flight testing early next year.
The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s executive order in June, including the creation of an EVTOL pilot program to promote safe development and deployment in the United States.
EVTOL advocates have touted the technology as a way to reduce emissions and facilitate traffic. Archer, Joby and its competitors are steadily working towards FAA approval.
Joby called the program a “critical step” on US shooter CEO Adam Goldstein’s path to broader aviation taxi services. United Airlines Try the aircraft.
“These early flights will help solidify American leadership in advanced aviation and help set the stage for expanded commercial operations in the United States and beyond,” he wrote.
The companies are testing their products through a Middle East partnership.
