Flying air taxis approach US launch with new FAA rule approval
Mike Whitaker, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), indicated that the rule acknowledges air taxis as a completely new category of aircraft that will soon join airplanes and helicopters in the airspace. These aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically like helicopters, while flying like fixed-wing planes. Numerous companies are working to bring them to market, but their progress has been hindered by the lack of clear regulations governing their use.
Whitaker emphasized that the FAA is prioritising safety as it integrates these new aircraft into the nation’s airspace. He noted that "powered-lift aircraft" represent the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years, since the introduction of helicopters, and this rule will facilitate their widespread operation.
Supporters of air taxis view them as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional passenger planes that rely on jet fuel. However, current technological limitations restrict their size, suggesting that they will primarily be utilized in urban areas. Companies anticipate using these aircraft for transporting both people and cargo.
Joby Aviation, a California-based company in this emerging field, commended the FAA's regulation. CEO JoeBen Bevirt remarked that the rules would ensure that the US maintains its global leadership in the development and adoption of clean flight technology.
Airlines see air taxis as a potential solution for transporting passengers to airports. In 2022, Delta Air Lines announced a $60 million investment in Joby, while Toyota revealed a $500 million investment this month. Additionally, United Airlines is supporting another California-based company, Archer Aviation, with an order for 200 aircraft, which Archer stated could be valued at $1 billion, with an option for an additional 500 million.