Electric air taxis get the green light for test flights in Texas
News Source
β’2026-09-10T12:00:00-04:00
π° What Happened
Electric air taxis began test flights in Texas this week. Three companies, Joby, Beta and Wisk, are taking part.
The tests run for about a week. They will fly routes between cities and airports, including Dallas Fort Worth International. No passengers are on board.
The flights are part of a new White House pilot program for electric, hybrid and self-flying aircraft.
π The Backstory
These aircraft are called eVTOLs. They take off and land straight up and down, like helicopters, but run on electric power.
Getting full safety approval in the United States can take years. The pilot program lets companies show off their technology while the rules are still being written.
The companies hope the tests convince regulators to approve their aircraft so they can carry paying passengers.
π― Why It Matters
Air taxis could one day cut long city trips to minutes. The tests are an early step toward deciding whether they are safe enough for everyone.
Electric air taxis began test flights in Texas this week. Three companies, Joby, Beta and Wisk, are taking part.
The tests run for about a week. They will fly routes between cities and airports, including Dallas Fort Worth International. No passengers are on board.
The flights are part of a new White House pilot program for electric, hybrid and self-flying aircraft.
These aircraft are called eVTOLs. They take off and land straight up and down, like helicopters, but run on electric power.
Getting full safety approval in the United States can take years. The pilot program lets companies show off their technology while the rules are still being written.
The companies hope the tests convince regulators to approve their aircraft so they can carry paying passengers.
Air taxis could one day cut long city trips to minutes. The tests are an early step toward deciding whether they are safe enough for everyone.