Meet the 5 air taxis set to define the future of urban mobility in 2026

The autonomous air taxi industry is poised for significant advancement in 2026, with several leading companies nearing certification and preparing for commercial operations. This marks a transition from experimental phases to practical urban air mobility solutions, promising to reshape transportation infrastructure and regulatory frameworks globally. Key players are developing innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for various urban and regional use cases, with plans to launch passenger services in multiple international markets. Joby Aviation leads the pack with its S4 aircraft, capable of carrying one pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph and a 100-mile range, targeting commercial flights in Dubai by early 2026. Archer Aviation’s Midnight aircraft, featuring 12 rotors and similar passenger capacity, aims for operations in Abu Dhabi with FAA certification underway. Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 offers both all-electric and hybrid variants with extended range and payload capacity, suitable for diverse industries beyond urban mobility. Lilium Jet focuses on regional routes with its six-passenger duct