FAA Greenlights 26-State Electric Air Taxi Test Program, Sending Joby and Archer Shares Higher

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA selected eight proposals for a pilot program to test electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This initiative spans 26 states. Operations are scheduled to begin by the summer of 2026.

The program establishes one of the largest real-world testing environments for eVTOL aircraft. This data will support the development of national safety regulations for advanced air mobility.

Shares of Joby Aviation (JOBY) and Archer Aviation (ACHR) rose following the announcement. Other selected participants include Boeing’s Wisk Aero and Embraer’s Eve Air Mobility.