Electric air taxis, known as eVTOLs, are reaching a decisive milestone with the launch of federally sanctioned pilot projects across the United States this summer. Joby Aviation, valued at $7.6 billion and backed by Toyota, Uber, and Delta Air Lines, plans noncommercial passenger tests this fall or winter. Archer Aviation, valued at $3.7 billion with United Airlines as an investor, is targeting commercial operations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Beta Technologies, backed by Amazon and GE Aerospace, completed the first EIPP flights in July. These aircraft, capable of covering the Manhattan-JFK route in under 10 minutes versus the current 45 minutes to 2 hours, will need FAA certification before commercial deployment.
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