Tag: eVTOL

FAA’s ‘Michigan Model’ Lays Groundwork for Large-Scale AAM Operations

Flying Magazine reports, “The FAA has taken major strides toward the safe integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft such as drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis. A special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) for powered-lift pilot training and operations, guidance for powered-lift certification projects, a proposal for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flight, and more have been introduced in recent months. An eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) is set to begin next year and conclude in 2028—a year the FAA anticipates AAM operations scaling up in major U.S. cities.”

Full Story (Flying Magazine)

Air Unveils and Delivers First Production Air One Cargo Aircraft

Aviation International News reports, “Israeli start-up Air has revealed the first production model of its Air One Cargo eVTOL aircraft and delivered it to an undisclosed launch customer, the company announced on December 17. Before it enters service, the aircraft will make its first flights at a test site in southern Israel.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)

Wisk Completes First Gen 6 eVTOL Air Taxi Flight

Aerotime reports, “Wisk Aero, a fully owned subsidiary of Boeing, has successfully completed the first flight of its Generation 6 aircraft, bringing autonomous passenger air taxis a step closer to commercial reality. In a statement issued on December 16, 2025, Wisk announced that this achievement marks a significant industry milestone.”

Full Story (Aerotime)

Video

Wisk Aero’s Generation 6 aircraft
Wisk Aero | YouTube

Vertical Aerospace CEO Says New Valo eVTOL to Become ‘People’s Air Taxi’

Flying Magazine reports, “U.K. developer Vertical Aerospace this week unveiled its flagship electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Valo, which, according to CEO Stuart Simpson, will be the ‘people’s air taxi.’ A chief criticism of eVTOL aircraft is their anticipated cost, leading many to characterize electric air taxis as a service for the wealthy. But Simpson said that won’t be the case for Vertical’s flagship model.”

Full Story (Flying Magazine)

Vertical Aerospace Introduces Valo, Its Latest eVTOL Design

Aerotime reports, “Electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Vertical Aerospace has unveiled Valo, the latest evolution of its urban air mobility aircraft following the VX4 prototype. On December 12, 2025, the first photos of Valo were released showing a much sleeker and sharper unit from the VX4, Vertical’s workhorse eVTOL prototype.”
Full Story (Aerotime)

U.S. Advocates for Advanced Air Mobility Call for Increased Regulatory Clarity

Aviation International News reports, “As eVTOL developers edge closer to operational approval, U.S. lawmakers and stakeholders alike stress the need for regulatory clarity and consistency and close collaboration between Congress, the FAA, the industry, and the states to ensure a safe transition for advanced air mobility (AAM).”

Full Story (Aviation International News)

Air Taxis at Major Airports a Step Closer to Reality

Aviation Week reports, “The prospect of flying premium passengers direct to airport terminals in clean, quiet electric air taxis has moved a step closer, but significant progress must still be made if it is to become a reality. In early August, Joby Aviation agreed to acquire the passenger business of urban helicopter service provider Blade Air Mobility.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)

Electric Air Taxis Expected to Reach Operational Scale by 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles

Flying Magazine reports, “The FAA’s Innovate28 blueprint forecasts 2028 as the year electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis reach operational scale in major U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles. The City of Angels is slated to host the 2028 Olympic Games that summer,” but more work is needed before they fly at the games.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)

North Carolina Partners with Georgia to Study AAM ‘Interstate in the Sky’

Flying Magazine reports, “The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Division of Aviation and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) are joining forces to study a first-of-its-kind testbed for autonomous, electric, and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The state transportation departments announced a partnership to create the nation’s first “interstate in the sky” for AAM aircraft, including uncrewed drones and eVTOL air taxis. The proposed corridor is intended to serve as a “real-world testbed” for the technology and could one day bring commercial AAM passenger and cargo operations to the Southeast.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)

NASA Simulating Air Taxi Crashes to Study Materials for New Generation of eVTOL

Flying Magazine reports, “NASA researchers are simulating crashes to study the optimal materials for a new generation of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis. Per a recent media release, the space agency in June dropped a full-scale aircraft body—modeled after an eVTOL air taxi—from a 35-foot gantry at its Langley Research Center in Virginia.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)