This Alia conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) electric aircraft, the first rolled off Beta Technologies’ rate production line, flew into airports across the U.S. in 2025. [Credit: Beta Technologies]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA finalized regulations in late 2024 to integrate eVTOL aircraft, with major manufacturers like Joby, Archer, and Beta nearing Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) and anticipating urban operations by 2026.
Leading eVTOL developers achieved significant flight testing milestones in 2025, including piloted transitions, extensive flight hours (e.g., Beta surpassing 100,000 miles), and initial flights of certification-ready aircraft.
The eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) is set to launch in 2026, allowing selected manufacturers to conduct real-world operations, potentially including revenue-generating cargo flights, to gather data and test infrastructure.
The industry is preparing for the crucial TIA phase with conforming aircraft, expecting 2026 to bring further advancements in autonomy, hybrid-electric propulsion, and sustained growth supported by government initiatives.
The FAA in October 2024 published a special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) with seismic implications for the aviation industry—a framework for the early integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
As 2026 begins, these new entrants, capable of both vertical lift and wingborne flight, may be months or even weeks away from flying in a city near you.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
