NATA Commends FAA and DOT Announcement of Advanced Air Mobility and eVTOL Integration Pilot Program Projects
/NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) welcomes the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announcement of eight selected projects under the newly launched Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). NATA recognizes this milestone as a reflection of meaningful progress toward the safe and efficient integration of next generation aircraft into the National Airspace System (NAS), while opening the door to significant opportunities for growth, collaboration, and engagement across the general aviation community.
“The launch of the eIPP marks an important step in moving advanced air mobility from concept to real-world operational integration,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “By creating opportunities to evaluate these aircraft and operating models in diverse environments, the program will help inform a practical path forward that prioritizes safety, operational readiness, and coordination across the aviation ecosystem. For NATA members like BETA Technologies, Archer, Joby, Wisk, and others, it also signals growing opportunities to support the infrastructure, services, and workforce that will help make this next phase of aviation possible.”
The eIPP includes eight pilot projects involving multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and spanning 26 states. Collectively, these projects will create one of the largest real-world testing environments for next-generation aircraft in the world, with operations expected to begin as early as summer 2026.
The program encompasses a wide range of operational concepts, including urban air taxi and regional transportation, cargo and logistics services, emergency medical response, autonomous flight operations, and offshore energy-sector transportation. Selected projects span state and local partnerships with NATA members, including BETA Technologies, Archer, Joby, and Wisk. Other participants include Electra, Reliable Robotics, Elroy Air, and Ampaire.
The continued growth of the advanced air mobility sector is expected to create new opportunities for the general aviation industry. As these aircraft move toward commercial operations, NATA members, including FBOs, airports, and aviation service providers, will be positioned to expand their offerings by:
Supporting ground infrastructure and fueling or charging operations at airports, FBOs, and vertiports
Working with OEMs to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for next-generation aircraft
Training and certifying pilots and technicians for advanced air mobility operations
Expanding regional air service access to underserved communities across the country
“The eIPP will play an important role in shaping the FAA’s future regulatory framework for advanced air mobility and related initiatives. NATA is committed to working closely with federal and state agencies, industry participants, and stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem to help ensure these emerging policies and regulations advance safety, preserve operational flexibility, and create new opportunities for aviation businesses,” added Castagna.
