Electric air taxis are no longer just a sci-fi fantasy. The Federal Aviation Administration just greenlit eight pilot programs that will let companies like Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Joby Aviation, and Wisk start testing their electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft across 26 states as early as this summer. This is a massive deal for the future of how we move around cities and regions.

The three-year initiative, officially called the Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program, was launched through an executive order last year. The goal? Make sure the U.S. stays ahead of the game in developing next-generation aircraft for personal travel, regional transportation, cargo logistics, and emergency medicine.

Here’s the thing: getting new aircraft certified normally takes years and hundreds of millions of dollars. The FAA has to approve everything, which is a lengthy process. But this pilot program flips the script by letting companies test their eVTOL aircraft even before they’ve received full regulatory certification. It’s basically a fast-track to proving these aircraft work safely in real-world conditions.

The stock markets loved this news. Beta Technologies’ stock jumped nearly 12% on Monday, and other publicly traded eVTOL companies like Archer and Joby also saw gains. Beta’s CEO Kyle Clark said the program will let his company start aircraft operations a full year earlier than expected.

Archer is particularly excited because the company believes this testing will help build public trust and create a playbook for scaling electric air taxis safely, kind of like how robotaxi testing prepared cities for autonomous vehicles. Plus, Archer is already eyeing the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as an opportunity to launch actual air taxi operations.

The FAA received 30 proposals but selected eight. Here’s what makes this work: companies can’t do this alone. They have to partner with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments. These partnerships are already happening across the country.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is teaming up with Archer, Beta, Electra, and Joby to test operations out of Manhattan heliports. Texas is going big, the Department of Transportation is coordinating with multiple companies to test regional flights connecting Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and eventually Houston. A project led by Utah will span the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, and Oklahoma plains. Pennsylvania is organizing a multi-state initiative involving 13 states.

Other projects focus on specific needs. Some are testing cargo and personnel transport to energy industry locations in the Gulf region. Others are exploring autonomous operations in places like Albuquerque. Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina are also leading their own initiatives.

What this all means for you? In the next few years, you might actually see these electric aircraft testing routes near you. The Bay Area should keep an eye on how this develops, we’re always looking for the next big mobility revolution.