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eVTOL in United States

The United States leads the global eVTOL industry with more than $10 billion in private investment, the FAA's groundbreaking Powered-Lift aircraft category, and the highest concentration of eVTOL manufacturers anywhere in the world. Four major OEMs — Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, BETA Technologies, and Wisk (Boeing subsidiary) — are pursuing FAA type certification, while NASA's Advanced Air Mobility campaign and the DoD's Agility Prime program provide critical government support. The FAA's eIPP demonstration program is paving the way for commercial operations starting in 2025–2026.

United States eVTOL Industry Overview

Key metrics on the electric aircraft industry and market development in United States.

4

Manufacturers

4

Aircraft Models

11

Active Cities

2025–2026

First Commercial

FAA

Regulator

Certification & Regulatory Framework

How the FAA is approaching eVTOL certification in United States.

Certification Progress

55%
Framework Development
Type Certification
Commercial Operations

Certification Approach

The FAA created a new Powered-Lift aircraft category under 14 CFR Part 21 specifically for eVTOL certification. This approach uses Special Conditions and Means of Compliance tailored to each applicant, covering airworthiness, pilot licensing under a new Powered-Lift rating, and operational rules. The FAA's eIPP (Electric Innovative Propulsion Program) allows demonstration flights in select cities ahead of full certification.

Key Manufacturers & Aircraft

eVTOL companies and aircraft models active in United States.

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz, CA-based manufacturer developing a 5-seat, tilt-rotor eVTOL with 150+ mile range. Joby holds a Part 135 air carrier certificate and a 6-year exclusive deal with Dubai's RTA. Toyota has invested over $890M.

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Archer Aviation

San Jose, CA-based company building the Midnight eVTOL for urban trips. Named official Air Taxi Provider for the LA28 Olympics. Backed by United Airlines with $1B+ in pre-orders.

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BETA Technologies

Burlington, VT-based company developing the ALIA fixed-wing eVTOL for cargo and passenger use. Has partnerships with UPS, United Therapeutics, and Blade. Focused on charging infrastructure network.

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Wisk Aero

A Boeing subsidiary developing the autonomous Cora eVTOL, targeting pilotless urban air mobility. Has conducted over 1,700 test flights, more than any other eVTOL program.

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Aircraft Models Under Certification

AircraftJoby S4
ManufacturerJoby Aviation
TypeTilt-rotor, 5-seat
StatusFAA type certification in progress
AircraftMidnight
ManufacturerArcher Aviation
TypeTilt-rotor, 5-seat
StatusFAA type certification in progress
AircraftALIA
ManufacturerBETA Technologies
TypeFixed-wing eVTOL, 6-seat
StatusFAA certification in progress
AircraftGeneration 6
ManufacturerWisk Aero
TypeAutonomous, 4-seat
StatusFAA certification pathway

Government Support & Investment

How United States is funding and supporting eVTOL industry development.

Government Policy

The U.S. government supports eVTOL development through NASA's Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Campaign, the DoD Agility Prime program providing military funding and testing, FAA's eIPP demonstration program in select cities, and billions in private capital supported by favorable regulatory clarity. Congress has also advanced the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act.

Market Projection

The U.S. urban air mobility market is projected to exceed $30 billion annually by 2035, with early commercial operations in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Morgan Stanley estimates the total U.S. AAM market could reach $1 trillion by 2040.

Looking for air taxi booking info? See Air Taxi in United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the eVTOL industry in United States.

How many eVTOL manufacturers are based in the United States?

The United States is home to four major eVTOL manufacturers: Joby Aviation (Santa Cruz, CA), Archer Aviation (San Jose, CA), BETA Technologies (Burlington, VT), and Wisk Aero (a Boeing subsidiary). Several other startups and defense contractors are also developing eVTOL aircraft in the U.S.

What is the FAA's approach to eVTOL certification?

The FAA created a new Powered-Lift aircraft category specifically for eVTOL vehicles. Certification uses Special Conditions under 14 CFR Part 21, with tailored Means of Compliance for each applicant. The FAA has also established a new Powered-Lift pilot rating and is developing operational rules through the eIPP demonstration program.

How much investment has the U.S. eVTOL industry received?

The U.S. eVTOL sector has attracted over $10 billion in private investment. Key investors include Toyota ($890M+ in Joby), United Airlines ($1B+ in Archer orders), Boeing (Wisk subsidiary), and numerous venture capital firms. Government funding includes NASA's AAM campaign and the DoD Agility Prime program.

When will commercial eVTOL flights begin in the United States?

The FAA's eIPP demonstration program allows limited commercial demonstration flights starting in 2025-2026 in select cities including New York, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Full commercial operations with type-certificated aircraft are expected by 2026-2027.

What government programs support eVTOL development in the U.S.?

Key U.S. government programs include NASA's Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign for research and testing, the DoD Agility Prime program providing military contracts and airworthiness evaluation, the FAA's eIPP demonstration program for commercial pathfinding, and Congressional legislation like the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act.

Stay Updated on eVTOL in United States

Track eVTOL industry developments, certification milestones, and market launches in United States. Commercial operations expected by 2025–2026.