Texas Selected for Federal Flying Taxi Pilot Program

New initiative will test electric air taxis and other advanced aircraft in major Texas cities

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:20pm

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The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration have selected the Texas Department of Transportation to participate in a new pilot program to test electric air taxis and other next-generation aircraft in Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and soon, Houston. The initiative will help regulators gather real-world data and develop safety rules before allowing the aircraft to operate more widely in U.S. skies.

Why it matters

This pilot program represents a major step forward in the development of urban air mobility and advanced aviation technology. Texas has been chosen as a key testing ground, which could position the state as a leader in this emerging industry and provide economic opportunities, while also raising important questions about public safety, infrastructure needs, and the integration of these new aircraft into existing airspace.

The details

The testing will use electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs, that can take off and land like helicopters but fly like planes. Officials say the projects will explore possible uses for the aircraft, including urban air taxi services, short regional passenger flights, cargo delivery, emergency medical transport, autonomous flight technology, and transportation for offshore and energy operations. One of the participating companies is Wisk Aero, a California-based air mobility company that plans to launch autonomous flying taxis in Houston.

  • The pilot program was outlined in President Donald Trump's "Unleashing Drone Dominance" executive order.
  • Officials expect the first operations under the program to begin as early as the summer of 2026.

The players

U.S. Department of Transportation

The federal agency responsible for overseeing and regulating transportation in the United States.

Federal Aviation Administration

The federal agency responsible for regulating civil aviation in the United States.

Texas Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for overseeing transportation infrastructure and policies in Texas.

Wisk Aero

A California-based air mobility company that plans to launch autonomous flying taxis in Houston.

Sebastien Vigneron

CEO of Wisk Aero.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you to President Trump and Secretary Duffy for selecting Texas for one of eight new Advanced Air Mobility pilot programs.”

— Marc Williams, Executive Director, Texas Department of Transportation (texarkanagazette.com)

“Congratulations to the great American innovators behind each of these exciting pilot programs.”

— Sean P. Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary (texarkanagazette.com)

“Participating in this program will further cement U.S. leadership in autonomy.”

— Sebastien Vigneron, CEO, Wisk Aero (texarkanagazette.com)

What’s next

Officials expect the first operations under the program to begin as early as the summer of 2026.

The takeaway

This pilot program positions Texas as a key testing ground for the development of urban air mobility and advanced aviation technology, which could bring economic opportunities but also raises important questions about public safety, infrastructure needs, and the integration of these new aircraft into existing airspace.