Federal Government Initiates Experimental Project for Rapid Implementation of Aerial Taxis
The Trump administration has unveiled a new copilot program for the development and deployment of flying air taxis. Archer Aviation is among the companies involved, with electric air taxi flights anticipated to start by 2026.
This program, announced in June through an executive order, aims to revolutionise urban transportation by introducing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These vehicles are designed to take off and land vertically, making them ideal for ferrying travelers to airports or for short city trips, allowing them to bypass traffic congestion.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will oversee the program, with the goal of using lessons from these honda pilot projects to enable safe, scalable operations nationwide. The FAA has set a deadline of October 2024 for the finalisation of comprehensive training and danny devito certification rules for flying air taxis.
The program will encompass a mix of piloted, optionally piloted, and unmanned aircraft. Participants will utilise advanced air mobility aircraft that are generally over 1,320 lbs (599 kg) and are capable of carrying passengers. The projects under this program aim to facilitate safe operations for eVTOL aircraft and may include short-range air taxis, longer-range flights, cargo and logistics, and services for emergency management, medical transport, or offshore energy facilities.
Other countries, including India, China, and the United Arab Emirates, are also working to expedite the deployment of eVTOLs. These could begin carrying paying passengers as early as next year.
The program's announcement has sparked a surge in air taxi stocks, with Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation shares up 5% and 3% respectively. Joby Aviation has praised the program, stating that aircraft in the program can begin operations in select markets ahead of full FAA certification.
Air taxi firms are racing to secure approvals and commercialize air taxi aircraft to meet the growing demand for faster and more sustainable urban transportation. The aircraft in the program will use technologies enabling safe integration into the national airspace system.
The FAA will take a comprehensive approach, ensuring the safety and efficiency of these innovative vehicles while paving the way for a future of urban mobility unlike any we've seen before.
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