FAA Selects 8 eIPP Projects Across 26 States: US Air Taxi Demo Flights Coming Summer 2026

On March 9, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration made one of the most consequential announcements in the history of American aviation: the selection of 8 demonstration projects under its Electric Innovative Propulsion Program (eIPP), spanning 26 states across the country.

This is not a theoretical milestone. Within 90 days of selection, demonstration operations could begin — putting real eVTOL aircraft flying real routes over real American cities as early as June 2026.

What Is the FAA eIPP?

The Electric Innovative Propulsion Program is the FAA's framework for integrating electric and hybrid-electric aircraft — including eVTOL air taxis — into the national airspace. Rather than waiting for full type certification before any aircraft flies passengers, the eIPP creates a supervised environment where manufacturers can conduct demonstration flights under controlled conditions.

Think of it as a regulatory sandbox: aircraft operate under special authorizations with enhanced safety oversight, giving the FAA real-world operational data while allowing companies to demonstrate their technology to the public and potential customers.

The 8 Selected Projects

The FAA selected projects from the leading eVTOL manufacturers, each proposing different operational scenarios:

Joby Aviation — Selected for multiple demonstration sites. Joby's S4, currently in Stage 5 TIA (Type Inspection Authorization) testing with its first FAA-conforming aircraft now flying, is the most advanced US eVTOL program. Joby is targeting airport-to-city-center routes in key metro areas.

Archer Aviation — Selected with its Midnight aircraft, which recently achieved 100% FAA Means of Compliance acceptance — an industry first. Archer is the official air mobility provider for the LA 2028 Olympics and has partnerships with United Airlines and the city of Los Angeles.

BETA Technologies — Selected for its ALIA CX300, targeting cargo and medical logistics demonstrations. BETA's aircraft boasts a 250-mile range — the longest of any eVTOL — and the company is building a nationwide charging network. BETA completed its IPO in November 2025.

Wisk Aero (Boeing subsidiary) — Selected for autonomous eVTOL demonstrations. Wisk's Gen 6 aircraft operates without an onboard pilot, adding complexity to the regulatory picture but representing the future of urban air mobility.

The remaining 4 projects include regional air mobility, cargo operations, and infrastructure development proposals from a mix of established manufacturers and emerging players.

Why 26 States Matters

The geographic breadth of the eIPP selections is deliberate. By distributing projects across 26 states, the FAA accomplishes several strategic objectives:

• Political Support: Congressional representatives from participating states become stakeholders in the program's success, building bipartisan support for eVTOL integration
• Diverse Operating Environments: Demonstrations across different climates, terrains, and airspace configurations generate comprehensive operational data
• Infrastructure Development: Each participating region begins planning vertiport locations, charging infrastructure, and air traffic management systems
• Public Awareness: Millions of Americans will see eVTOL aircraft flying in or near their communities for the first time

Timeline: What Happens Next

The eIPP follows a structured rollout:

1. March 2026: 8 projects selected and announced
2. April–May 2026: Operational planning, safety reviews, and special authorization issuance
3. June–July 2026: First demonstration flights begin (within 90 days of selection)
4. Late 2026–2027: Data collection, operational refinement, and transition planning toward commercial operations
5. 2027+: Transition from demonstration to commercial passenger service as type certificates are issued

Impact on the Industry

The eIPP selections represent a fundamental shift in the FAA's approach to eVTOL. Rather than a purely sequential process — design, test, certify, then operate — the FAA is now allowing parallel tracks where demonstration operations inform the certification process.

For passengers, this means the timeline to commercial air taxi service in the US just accelerated significantly. Rather than waiting for full certification (which could take until late 2026 or 2027), demonstration flights will begin putting eVTOL aircraft in American skies this summer.

For investors tracking eVTOL stocks, the eIPP selections validate the market opportunity and de-risk the regulatory pathway. Companies selected for the program have demonstrated that their technology and operational plans meet the FAA's standards for public demonstration.

What This Means for You

The cities and routes selected for eIPP demonstrations are likely to be among the first to offer commercial eVTOL service once full certification is achieved. If you live in or near a participating region, you could see eVTOL aircraft flying overhead as early as this summer.

Pre-reserve your seat on early commercial flights — it's free and puts you at the front of the line. Track all major eVTOL programs on our certification tracker, and explore 40+ planned routes to find flights near your city.