Air Taxis Set for Summer Trials in 26 States Under Trump Admin's Pilot Program

The pilot program aims to accelerate aviation innovation by developing next-generation unmanned aircraft systems.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:48pm

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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has selected eight out of 30 proposals to participate in its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The eight projects span work across 26 states and include a range of public entities and private companies developing operational concepts in urban and regional air taxi and transportation services, cargo and logistics, emergency medical response, autonomous flight, and energy transportation.

Why it matters

The pilot program is the cornerstone of President Donald Trump's efforts to accelerate aviation innovation by developing next-generation unmanned aircraft systems. The data compiled from the various projects will help the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) better understand the challenges associated with safely and efficiently integrating these new types of aircraft into the National Airspace System.

The details

The eight proposals were selected based on their ability to quickly integrate into commercial operations, as well as overall manufacturer experience and the strength of existing public, private, and academic partnerships. Initial operations under the program umbrella are expected to begin this summer.

  • The DOT announced the pilot program on March 9, 2026.
  • Initial operations under the program are expected to begin this summer.

The players

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

The government agency that announced the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).

Federal Aviation Authority (FAA)

The agency that will use the data compiled from the pilot program to better understand the challenges associated with safely and efficiently integrating these new types of aircraft into the National Airspace System.

Joby Aviation

A Santa Cruz, California-based air taxi startup that was selected as a partner for programs in multiple states, including Arizona, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah.

Archer Aviation

A San Jose, California-based company developing short-flight eVTOL air taxis for congested metropolitan markets such as Chicago and New York, which was selected for programs in Florida, Texas, and New York.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who initially outlined his vision for the program in a June 6, 2025, Executive Order titled "Unleashing American Drone Dominance".

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What they’re saying

“The program will provide valuable operational experience that will inform the standards needed to enable safe Advanced Air Mobility operations.”

— Chris Rocheleau, FAA deputy administrator

“Congratulations to the great American innovators behind each of these exciting pilot programs. Working together, we will ensure America leads the way in safely leveraging next-gen aircraft to radically redefine personal travel, regional transportation, cargo logistics, emergency medicine, and so much more.”

— Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary

“Instead of just reading about the future of flight, communities across America are going to be able to see it in the skies above their own cities this year.”

— JoeBen Bevirt, Joby's founder and CEO

“This is the clearest sign yet from the White House, the FAA and the DOT that bringing air taxis to market in the United States is a real priority.”

— Adam Goldstein, Archer Aviation's founder and CEO

What’s next

Initial operations under the program umbrella are expected to begin this summer.

The takeaway

The pilot program is a significant step forward in the development and integration of advanced air mobility technologies, as the U.S. government works to position the country as a leader in this emerging field and enable new transportation options for communities across the country.