Articles tagged with "electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing"
FAA clears air taxi projects to begin limited flights across US
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a nationwide pilot program called the Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), selecting eight major projects across 26 U.S. states to begin limited commercial flights of flying taxis, cargo, and medical services by summer 2026. This initiative aims to accelerate the safe integration of next-generation eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft into real-world operations without requiring full type certification, addressing longstanding regulatory delays faced by companies like Joby Aviation. The selected projects include diverse applications such as urban air taxi services in Manhattan, regional passenger flights in Texas, cargo and personnel transport in Louisiana’s energy sector, and statewide medical and cargo flights in Florida. The program represents the largest coordinated real-world testing environment for eVTOLs and is part of a broader effort to maintain U.S. leadership in aviation innovation, generate jobs, and develop safety standards for scalable Advanced Air Mobility operations. FAA officials emphasize the importance of
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingadvanced-air-mobilityFAAflying-taxisurban-air-mobilityElectric 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
energyelectric-aircrafteVTOLurban-air-taxisAdvanced-Air-MobilityFAA-pilot-programelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOL Certification Is Coming, But Commercial Runway Isn't - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the current state and challenges of certifying electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, highlighting that regulatory pathways are now largely established by agencies like the FAA and EASA. The FAA finalized powered lift operational rules in 2024 and issued guidance on type certification in 2025, while EASA has had a VTOL framework since 2019. Despite this regulatory progress, the critical hurdles remain closing engineering risks, securing sufficient financing for the final certification stages, and ultimately achieving commercial profitability. Drawing comparisons to novel aircraft categories such as the tiltrotor AW609 and clean-sheet transport aircraft like the Airbus A350, the article emphasizes that eVTOL certification is expected to face significant schedule overruns due to the complexity of new flight modes, distributed propulsion, fly-by-wire systems, and stringent safety requirements. Engineering challenges are compounded by escalating costs during the transition from prototyping to certification and production readiness. Operating expenses for leading eVTOL companies such as Archer, Job
energyelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOL-certificationaerospace-engineeringelectric-propulsionaviation-technologyregulatory-complianceVideo: Singapore's first eVTOL aircraft with eight lift rotors unveiled
Singapore has unveiled its first homegrown electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the Singapore Airshow 2026. Developed entirely by researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) over more than three years, the prototype features a 26-foot wingspan and combines vertical lift capability with efficient fixed-wing flight using electric propulsion. The aircraft is equipped with eight wing-mounted lift rotors powered by custom electric motors for vertical take-off and landing, while a rear proprotor provides quiet forward thrust during flight. This hybrid design aims to blend the hovering ability of helicopters with the aerodynamic efficiency of airplanes, targeting urban and regional air mobility needs in densely populated Asian cities. Led by Professor James Wang from NTU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, the project represents a significant step in Singapore’s pursuit of advanced air mobility and next-generation aviation technologies. The prototype serves as a technology demonstrator focusing on end-to-end capabilities such as airframe design, propulsion systems, flight control integration
electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLelectric-propulsionadvanced-materialsaerospace-engineeringurban-air-mobilityelectric-motorsMore executives depart Hyundai’s air taxi startup Supernal
Hyundai’s electric air taxi startup Supernal is undergoing a significant leadership shakeup following the recent departure of its CEO and CTO and the pausing of its vehicle program. The company confirmed that chief strategy officer Jaeyong Song, chief safety officer Tracy Lamb, and chief of staff Lina Yang have also left. Supernal stated that this transition is part of a strategic review to align its program with long-term goals, while Hyundai Motor Group remains committed to its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) business. Song’s exit is notable given his long tenure within Hyundai’s AAM group and Supernal, and Lamb brought extensive aerospace safety and piloting experience. Supernal has faced a challenging year, having shut down its Washington, D.C. headquarters late in 2024, conducted its first test flight in March 2025, but then laid off many employees and paused its air taxi program by early September. This turmoil comes amid a critical period for the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL
robotelectric-air-taxiadvanced-air-mobilityurban-air-mobilityautonomous-vehicleselectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingHyundai-SupernalNew FAA program will let eVTOL startups test some operations before full certification
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a new pilot program allowing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) startups to test certain operations before obtaining full regulatory certification. This initiative marks a significant shift for eVTOL companies, which have so far been limited to restricted test flights while pursuing FAA approval. To participate, companies must collaborate with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments, and the FAA plans to approve at least five projects lasting up to three years. These projects will cover a range of applications including short-range air taxis, longer-range fixed-wing flights, cargo and logistics, emergency or medical supply delivery, and efforts to enhance automation safety. The FAA emphasizes that selected projects should work cooperatively with various entities to accelerate development while maintaining the aviation industry's high safety standards. The data and insights gained from these pilot projects are expected to inform the broader regulatory framework for advanced air mobility (AAM). Notably, eVTOL companies Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have announced intentions to
energyelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLFAA-certificationadvanced-air-mobilityaviation-technologyautomation-safetyFrom Kitty Hawk to Supernal: The Shrinking Future of eVTOLs - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a significant shift in the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft industry, marked by Supernal’s recent decision to pause its eVTOL development. Despite strong backing from Hyundai and ambitious plans to launch a five-seat air taxi by 2028, Supernal’s retreat signals broader challenges facing the sector. Many eVTOL companies are struggling to transition from prototypes to certified, commercially viable aircraft amid high costs, regulatory hurdles, and operational complexities. Of 32 firms tracked, seven have abandoned their programs, three operate limited commercial services, one has pivoted business models, and 21 remain in pre-production, reflecting a more cautious and grounded industry outlook compared to earlier hype. The article also contrasts the fading enthusiasm for eVTOLs with the similarly challenged hydrogen vehicle sector, noting that both face fundamental economic, technical, and regulatory barriers. High-profile eVTOL failures include Kitty Hawk’s shutdown, Lilium’s bankruptcy, Volocopter’s
energyelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLurban-air-mobilityhydrogen-vehiclesbattery-technologyaviation-industryUber will add Blade’s helicopters to its platform as early as 2026
Uber plans to integrate Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter services into its app as early as 2026, initially targeting popular routes such as airport transfers near New York City and Southern Europe. This development follows Joby Aviation’s recent acquisition of Blade’s passenger business for up to $125 million, excluding Blade’s medical division. The partnership is positioned as a precursor to eventually launching Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis on Uber’s ride-hailing platform, though Joby’s own commercial eVTOL service is slated to begin first in Dubai in 2026, with U.S. markets to follow. The collaboration builds on existing relationships: Blade helicopters have previously appeared on Uber’s platform in limited promotions, and Uber holds a 2.5% stake in Joby. Joby, which went public via a SPAC merger in 2021 and has raised significant funding from investors including Toyota, has emerged as a leader in the eVTOL space amid the collapse
energyelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLelectric-air-taxiurban-air-mobilityJoby-Aviationsustainable-transportationJoby Aviation to buy Blade Air Mobility’s ride-share business
Joby Aviation, an electric air taxi developer, has agreed to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter ride-share business for up to $125 million. The acquisition includes the Blade brand and its passenger operations in the U.S. and Europe, while Blade’s medical transport division remains separate. Blade, founded in 2014, operates a digital platform that enables customers to book private helicopter rides on short routes, serving more than 50,000 passengers in 2024. The deal provides Joby with immediate access to Blade’s network of 12 terminals in key markets such as New York City, including dedicated lounges and bases at major airports and Manhattan locations. Joby plans to integrate its air taxi management software into Blade’s passenger service and eventually replace helicopters with its own electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This acquisition is seen as strategically important for Joby’s planned commercial launch in Dubai and future global expansion. Founded in 2009, Joby has spent over a decade developing
robotelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLurban-air-mobilityair-taxiautonomous-vehiclestransportation-technologyJoby Aviation doubles pilot eVTOL facility capacity as it races toward air taxi launch
Joby Aviation has significantly expanded its pilot manufacturing facility in Marina, California, doubling its size to 435,500 square feet to accelerate the commercialization of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The upgraded facility is expected to produce 24 aircraft annually, or nearly one every other week when fully operational, and will also support federal certification processes, ground and flight testing, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance. This expansion is part of Joby’s broader production strategy, which includes a larger facility under construction in Dayton, Ohio, designed to produce up to 500 aircraft per year, with engineering support from Toyota, a strategic investor. In addition to the facility expansion, Joby has added a sixth aircraft to its fleet, which quickly earned airworthiness certification shortly after completion. The company, which went public in 2021, aims to launch commercial air taxi services first in Dubai by early 2026, followed by a U.S. market rollout. Toyota has also recently invested
robotelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLaviation-technologypilot-manufacturingair-taxiautonomous-aircraftNew battery to power Chinese flying taxis with more speed, safety
Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-tech has partnered with eVTOL developer Ehang to equip Ehang’s flagship EH216 aerial vehicle with Gotion’s advanced 46-series cylindrical battery cells. This upgrade promises to enhance the EH216’s performance by providing longer range, stronger power output, and improved safety. The collaboration builds on a prior agreement from December 2023 and aims to accelerate the commercialization of low-altitude urban air mobility by improving battery technology tailored for short-range autonomous flights. Ehang, a pioneer in China’s eVTOL sector, has demonstrated significant progress with its EH216-S model, which currently offers a top speed of 80.8 mph and a flight duration of up to 25 minutes. Notably, Ehang tested a version with solid-state batteries that achieved a continuous flight of over 48 minutes, highlighting ongoing efforts to advance battery technology for aerial applications. Gotion, ranked as the sixth-largest global power battery manufacturer with a 3.4% market share,
energybattery-technologyeVTOLaerial-vehicleselectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingenergy-storageurban-air-mobilityChina firm unveils maiden commercial flying car with 18.6-mile range
China’s GAC Group has unveiled its first commercial flying car, the Govy AirCab, at the Hong Kong International Auto and Supply Chain Expo. This two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle features a lightweight design with a 90% carbon fiber fuselage and offers a range of approximately 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) per charge. It can be fully charged in 25 minutes and supports rapid charging to 50% in 15 minutes, enabled by high-density cylindrical batteries. The AirCab includes advanced features such as 5G connectivity, voice assistant, climate and music controls, a cloud-based self-check system, flight redundancy, and Level 4 ground autonomy with a detection range of over 984 feet (300 meters). The passenger cabin is designed to separate from the power unit for safety in case of malfunction. GAC targets the emerging “low-altitude economy” focused on urban air taxis and short-hop personal aircraft, positioning the Govy
electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLcarbon-fiber-materialselectric-vehicle-batteriesurban-air-mobilityautonomous-flight-systems5G-connectivity