Flying Taxis Nearing Reality as US Gives Green Light

The era of flying taxis appears to be drawing closer after United States authorities gave the green light by advancing regulations for next-generation aviation technology, ranging from flying taxis and supersonic jets to space launches and expanded drone operations. Deputy Administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Chris Rocheleau said the agency is addressing various issues related to certification and regulation so the industry can develop new technology without being hampered by overly strict rules. “We want to ensure that we are not overly prescriptive in those standards and let industry drive innovation,” Rocheleau said, as quoted by Reuters on Wednesday (22/7/2026). The FAA is also running a pilot programme to help electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft enter the operational phase. The programme, which began last year, involves eight partner companies across 26 US states. According to Rocheleau, data from the programme will assist the FAA in the eVTOL certification process. “The whole idea behind this is to bring this new technology and these new aircraft into the national airspace in a safe and efficient way,” he said. Flying taxi companies are currently racing to obtain permits and commercialise eVTOL aircraft. These aircraft can take off and land vertically, potentially transporting passengers to airports or serving short-distance urban trips without getting stuck in traffic. Archer Aviation CEO Adam Goldstein compared the development of eVTOLs to how Google’s autonomous vehicle unit Waymo expanded its services from one city to another. “I think the world has learned a lot from how autonomous vehicles were launched,” Goldstein said. According to him, the FAA pilot programme gives the eVTOL industry an opportunity to test the technology in phases. “This programme gives the eVTOL industry the ability to launch it in a few cities in limited areas so we can work out the kinks in the system,” he said. Beyond flying taxis, the FAA is also working to revive commercial supersonic flight. In June 2026, the FAA proposed the first of two regulations needed to lift the ban on supersonic flight over US land, a prohibition that has been in place since 1973. The agency plans to propose a second rule to establish acceptable noise thresholds for aircraft during takeoff, landing, and supersonic flight. It is targeting completion of all rules by mid-2027. “We assess that rule as being old and outdated,” Rocheleau said. The era of regular commercial supersonic flight ended in 2003 when the Concorde, operated by Air France and British Airways, ceased operations after 27 years of service. Once the new rules are in place, the FAA and other regulators will still need to conduct a certification process for supersonic aircraft before the technology can return to commercial service.