Story perspectives

Electric Air Taxis Take Flight in White House Program

9/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation joined the White House's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program to accelerate electric air taxi operations in the U.S.
The program, announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, includes at least five public-private partnerships over three years.
Archer will collaborate with United Airlines for trials of its Midnight aircraft, focusing on safety and quiet operations.
Joby plans to integrate services with Uber and has expanded manufacturing in California and Ohio.
The program will test piloted and unmanned aircraft for passenger and cargo transport, informing future regulations.

History

Historical Context

In 2016, the FAA launched the UAS Integration Pilot Program to develop drone regulations, partnering with companies like Zipline for medical supply deliveries. This initiative laid the groundwork for current efforts by Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation in the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, which aims to integrate electric air taxis into U.S. airspace, potentially transforming urban mobility and transportation infrastructure.

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Story summary

Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation joined the White House's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program to accelerate electric air taxi operations in the U.S.
The program, announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, includes at least five public-private partnerships over three years.
Archer will collaborate with United Airlines for trials of its Midnight aircraft, focusing on safety and quiet operations.
Joby plans to integrate services with Uber and has expanded manufacturing in California and Ohio.
The program will test piloted and unmanned aircraft for passenger and cargo transport, informing future regulations.

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