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Several leading U.S. eVTOL aircraft manufacturers have declared their intentions to participate in the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program since a request for proposals appeared in the Federal Register on September 12. Joby Aviation, Beta Technologies, and Archer Aviation were all quick to announce their participation in the program, which aims to accelerate the deployment of eVTOL operations in the U.S.
“This pilot program gives us another opportunity to advance the Administration’s plan to accelerate safe eVTOL and advanced air mobility (AAM) operations across the United States,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “We will take the lessons learned from these projects to enable safe, scalable AAM operations nationwide.”
The White House directed the FAA to launch the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) by 2026 in a June 6 executive order titled “Unleashing American Drone Dominance.” This executive order established several national policies intended to support the development, integration, and commercialization of drones and eVTOL aircraft. It will also help to ensure that localities in the U.S. are prepared to support eVTOL operations ahead of full FAA certification of the novel aircraft type, which is expected no sooner than 2026.
For three years from the selection of participants, the eIPP will promote public-private partnerships and interagency collaboration with state and local government entities to develop frameworks and regulations for both piloted and uncrewed eVTOL operations, including aeromedical, emergency response, cargo, and air taxi services.
President Trump’s executive order gives U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the FAA 180 days to select at least five pilot projects that could feasibly launch eVTOL operations within 90 days of their selection. Prospective participants have until December 11 to submit proposals.
Industry Lauds White House AAM Efforts
The Administration’s decision to fast-track AAM operations in the U.S. drew accolades from across the industry, including the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
“NBAA strongly supports this new initiative, which will advance the adoption of AAM and bring enormous benefits to the United States, changing the way goods and people move within rural and urban areas,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “We look forward to the integration of AAM into the National Airspace System and commend the administration and the Federal Aviation Administration for their commitment to this mode of transportation.”
U.S. eVTOL start-ups also commended the eIPP. “The launch of this program is a critical step in maintaining U.S. leadership in aerospace, and it reinforces the Administration’s dedication to enabling a new era of American innovation,” said Kristen Costello, head of government and regulatory affairs at Beta Technologies. Vermont-based Beta is offering its Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft and Alia CX300 electric airplane for medical and cargo logistics operations as well as commercial air taxi services.
“President Trump has long recognized the significance of America’s leadership in the next era of aviation, and this initiative ensures our nation’s leadership will continue,” said Joby Aviation chief policy officer Greg Bowles. “We’ve spent more than 15 years building the aircraft technology and operational capabilities that are defining advanced aerial mobility, and we’re ready to bring our services to communities. We look forward to demonstrating our aircraft’s maturity and delivering early operations in cities and states nationwide.” Joby said it is already working in close collaboration with state and local governments in Texas, Florida, Ohio, New York, and California.
Rival eVTOL developer Archer Aviation said it is working with its partner United Airlines and “interested cities” to design and execute trial operations of Archer’s four-passenger Midnight eVTOL aircraft as part of the eIPP. The company has previously announced plans for commercial air taxi services with the Midnight aircraft in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York.
“This is a landmark moment for our industry and our country. We have an administration that is prioritizing the integration of eVTOL operations in U.S. cities ahead of full certification in a pragmatic way. We’ll demonstrate that air taxis can operate safely and quietly,” said Archer co-founder and CEO Adam Goldstein. “These early flights will help cement American leadership in advanced aviation and set the stage for scaled commercial operations in the U.S. and beyond.”
