Flying air taxis approach US launch with new FAA rule approval
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Flying air taxis approach US launch with new FAA rule approval

Federal regulators took a significant step forward for electric-powered air taxis by issuing a final rule that outlines the operational guidelines for the aircraft and the training protocols for pilots.

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.

Federal regulators took a significant step forward for electric-powered air taxis by issuing a final rule that outlines the operational guidelines for the aircraft and the training protocols for pilots. 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.

Next Story
Technology

Atlas Copco Unveils Innovation Centre in Pune for Smart Manufacturing

Atlas Copco Tools has inaugurated its first Smart Factory Innovation Centre in India, a cutting-edge facility in Pune designed to showcase advanced technologies powering Smart Integrated Assembly ecosystems. The centre will serve as a hub for businesses across automotive, aerospace, electronics, heavy machinery, and manufacturing sectors to explore automation and smart manufacturing solutions for zero-defect production.The Innovation Centre offers hands-on demonstrations of the latest torquing and dispensing technologies, highlighting software-driven solutions that optimize efficiency, enhance..

Next Story
Resources

Elite Elevators Unveils India’s First Fully Customizable Home Elevator

Elite Elevators, a leader in the premium home lift segment, has launched Elite Elevators Bespoke—India’s first fully customizable luxury home elevator. The launch event, held at the company’s Chennai headquarters, showcased how the new offering redefines residential mobility by integrating state-of-the-art technology with personalized design.Speaking on the launch, Vimal Babu, Founder and CEO, Elite Elevators, said, “At Elite Elevators, our mission has always been to revolutionize home mobility with world-class innovations. Through its enhanced customizable features, our Bespoke elevat..

Next Story
Real Estate

Under-Construction Homes Now Costlier Than Ready-to-Move Properties

Under-construction (UC) homes are now more expensive than ready-to-move (RTM) properties across major Indian metros, according to the latest insights from Magicbricks.In Delhi, UC homes are priced at Rs 25,921 per sq. ft., surpassing RTM properties at Rs 18,698 per sq. ft. Similarly, in Gurugram, UC homes cost Rs 17,185 per sq. ft., compared to Rs 14,617 per sq. ft. for RTM properties.Mumbai, India’s costliest real estate market, has also seen a sharp rise, with UC home prices soaring 33.4 per cent Y-o-Y in Q1 2025 to Rs 32,371 per sq. ft., while RTM properties stand at Rs 28,935 per sq. ft...

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?