Air taxis are starting to fly in Texas. Companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are testing their electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This is part of a bigger effort to launch limited commercial flights soon.
Testing the Skies in Texas
Joby Aviation began showing off its air taxi flights in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on September 10. These flights are part of a program with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). For one week, Joby's aircraft will fly potential routes. This includes direct flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and other major city spots.
Archer Aviation is also making moves. On September 10, the company announced plans for a charging network for electric air taxis. This network will cover North Texas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and even rural communities in Texas.
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Start Your News DetoxArcher started its own demonstration flights on September 4. These flights will take its aircraft from California to Texas and Florida. The company also plans to set up 250 air taxi charging sites across major U.S. airports and cities over the next 10 years. They are working with Beta Technologies and Macquarie Capital on this.
Building the Infrastructure
Joby has been busy elsewhere too. In April, it flew demonstration flights in New York City. Last month, Joby announced plans to buy and develop "vertiports" in Florida, New York, and Texas. Vertiports are like small airports for these air taxis. Joby is partnering with Atoms, a smart city infrastructure company, for this.
Atoms will develop these vertiports as new transportation hubs. They will offer passenger connections, aircraft servicing, and ground transportation for the last part of a journey.
Joby's Texas flights include stops at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport. This airport handles cargo, corporate, and government flights. The air taxis will also fly roundtrip from Arlington and Toyota Motor North America’s campus in Plano. Toyota has invested nearly $900 million in Joby Aviation and will provide parts for the aircraft.
These Texas flights will gather real-world data. This data is important for the FAA to create safety rules for commercial air taxi service. Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt said this is just the start of what Texas and Joby can achieve together.
