Electric air taxis are about to take flight in 26 states 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved eight pilot programs enabling companies such as Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Joby Aviation, and Wisk to begin widespread testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft across 26 states. This three-year initiative, called the Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program, aims to position U.S. companies at the forefront of next-generation aircraft for personal travel, regional transportation, cargo logistics, and emergency medicine. Announced last year by President Donald Trump, the program allows these companies to test eVTOL aircraft without full regulatory certification, accelerating development timelines and potentially boosting investor confidence. The pilot program requires collaboration between companies and state, local, tribal, or territorial governments, covering diverse applications such as urban air taxis and regional flights. Notable partnerships include the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey working with multiple companies to test operations from a Manhattan heliport, and the Texas Department of Transportation collaborating on regional flights