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 established a regulatory framework in October 2024 and launched the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) to accelerate the real-world deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with operations anticipated as early as 2026.
Major eVTOL developers, including Beta, Joby, Archer, and Wisk, achieved significant flight testing milestones in the past year (referred to as 2025), encompassing extensive mileage, piloted transitions, and initial flights of their advanced air taxi models.
The three-year eIPP is critical for selected manufacturers to conduct real-world operations, potentially generate revenue from cargo flights, gather essential data, and prepare for Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) to facilitate certification by 2026.
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.
