26 US States Will Get Flying Taxis This Summer
Synopsis
The FAA selected three sets of eight programs on Monday to test electric flying taxis in a total of 26 states beginning as soon as summer 2026. The tests include companies such as Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation and Beta Technologies. The three-year program will include passenger flights, cargo delivery, medical transport and even self-flying planes. States involved include New York, Texas, Florida, Utah and North Carolina. Uber has partnered with Joby as well, allowing users to book air taxi rides directly in the Uber app. The aim is to ensure that America continues to lead China in this variant of aviation.
Eight electric flying-taxi programs across 26 states received approval from the F.A.A. on Monday, with real flights likely starting as soon as this summer. Most are being worked on by Joby Aviation, Archer and Beta Technologies, which have dreams of everything from city passenger trips to cargo and medical flights.
Key Highlights
- The FAA selected eight programs to gauge electric flying taxis in 26 states by summer 2026.
- Participants include Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies and Wisk.
- Climb aboard for passenger rides, cargo delivery, emergency medical flights and self-flying aircraft.
- Plans for air taxi service are from a Manhattan heliport, Texas will connect Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston.
- Uber teamed with Joby so riders can book air taxi rides directly from the Uber app
The US Just Approved Flying Taxis in 26 States
The US government signed off on eight test programs on Monday that will soon bring electric flying taxis to the skies over 26 states. Eight groups were selected from more than 30 applications that the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation received. Flights are expected to begin within 90 days of contract signing, so you’re looking at the first trips sometime late this summer.
The program is all about making sure that America remains the leader in this new form of flying, according to Transport Secretary Sean Duffy. Last week China announced that electric air taxis and drones are also central to its own growth plans. Washington clearly noticed.
What These Flying Taxis Really Are
They are not helicopters, and they are not ordinary planes. They go up vertically like a helicopter, take off from the ground and then fly horizontally like an aeroplane. They are powered entirely by electricity, are significantly quieter than helicopters and can be parked on small rooftop pads or specially designed platforms, no airport necessary.
Joby’s four-passenger aircraft has six tilting propellers, a top speed of 200 miles per hour and an estimated range of about 100 miles on a single charge. Archer’s plane, named Midnight, can also carry four passengers and has been in intense testing for two years. Beta Technologies manufactures a version of the aircraft that can take off vertically, as well as one that can use short runways. The three companies have been flying test aircraft for years and are nearing FAA approvals.
Where Will They Be Tested
Each of the eight programs covers slightly different terrain. New York’s Port Authority is developing an agreement with Archer, Beta, Joby and a company called Electra for tests of 12 different concepts in New England, including passenger rides through a Manhattan heliport. Texas has connected four cities, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and, eventually, Houston, with both regional flights and air taxi networks within each city.
Florida has a statewide three-phase test that includes cargo delivery, passenger transport and medical response. North Carolina is testing piloted routes and self-flying aircraft. Utah is spread over a massive region, from the Pacific Northwest to the Rocky Mountains, and all the way down into Oklahoma. Pennsylvania is part of a 13-state initiative to restore short regional flights that many smaller towns lost long ago.
You Will be Able to Book One Like a Regular Ride
Two weeks ago, Uber announced a partnership with the air taxi company Joby that will allow people to book air taxi rides from within the standard Uber app. If a route for a Joby air taxi exists, it appears alongside typical car options. Punch it in, and the app books it all: a car to the take-off pad, the air taxi flight itself, and another car waiting at the other end.
The flying-robo-taxi, Uber Air, is already scheduled to arrive in Dubai later this year. Completion of FAA certification is a prerequisite for the US city plan, which includes Los Angeles. The goal is to have it up and running before the 2028 LA Olympic Games. Air pricing is expected to be comparable to an Uber Black car fare. Exact numbers should be available closer to launch.
FAQs
Q: What is an electric flying taxi?
A: An electric aircraft that can take off vertically, fly like a plane and land on rooftop pads, no airport required.
Q: When will flights actually start?
Within 90 days of signing the contracts, which will put the first test flights circa summer 2026.
Q: Who is doing these tests?
A: The usual suspects, Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies and Wisk, are involved across all eight programs.
Q: Can I book one through Uber?
A: Yes, Uber has a deal with Joby so rides will be bookable directly through the Uber app, even if service in the US awaits final FAA authorization.
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