Some Airports Have Concerns About Electric Aircraft

Government Accountability Office finds that most facilities are not quite ready for the new entrants.

Jack Daleo

Friday, May 29, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

Aerial rendering of an electric aircraft vertiport concept in Orlando, Florida. [Credit: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority]

Key Takeaways:

Many stakeholders, particularly Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), anticipate electric air taxi operations will begin several years later than manufacturers' optimistic predictions, likely not until 2030.
The rollout of electric aircraft infrastructure, including chargers and vertiports, faces significant challenges such as high costs, uncertain demand, and a lack of standardized charging systems, leading to limited airport adoption.
The FAA has approved few electric aircraft certifications and still needs to develop comprehensive guidance for commercial operations, airspace management, ground movements, and safety protocols for lithium-ion battery fires.
Airports are hesitant to invest in electric aircraft infrastructure due to concerns over potential revenue loss from reduced traditional fueling and the "chicken-or-egg dilemma" of untested demand.

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At least one fixed-base operator (FBO) that is betting on electric air taxis believes the new aircraft will arrive several years after some manufacturers predict.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Wednesday released a new report examining the infrastructure needs of future electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. Among the stakeholders GAO interviewed were two FBOs—Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation—that are pursuing a range of electrification projects at hubs nationwide, partnering with electric air taxi manufacturers such as Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Beta Technologies.