This article is based on an official press release and strategy report from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy Unveils National Strategy for Advanced Air Mobility

On December 17, 2025, marking the 122nd anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy officially launched the National Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Strategy. This comprehensive roadmap is designed to guide the integration of “flying cars” (eVTOLs), drones, and automated aviation technologies into the national airspace system.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the strategy outlines 40 specific recommendations aimed at securing American leadership in the next generation of aviation. The initiative is heavily framed around the administration’s “America First” agenda, prioritizing domestic manufacturing, supply chain independence, and national security to ensure the United States maintains dominance in the sector against global competitors.

The announcement follows the requirements set forth by the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act of 2022 and builds upon the Executive Order “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” signed in June 2025.

“Since the Wright brothers first took flight in 1903, America has been at the forefront of aviation innovation. Today, we have a bold strategy to unlock the future of our skies and unleash this next chapter of aviation safely and efficiently. Advanced air mobility vehicles will benefit the American people, transforming how the flying public travels, how first responders jump into action, and how businesses deliver goods.”

, Sean P. Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation

The “LIFT” Action Plan and Operational Timeline

The DOT’s strategy is structured around a four-phase execution plan dubbed “LIFT,” designed to move the industry from experimental research to widespread commercial adoption. The phases are defined as:

• Leverage existing programs to support innovation and commence initial operations.
• Initiate engagement with partners, research and development, and smart planning.
• Forge new policy and regulatory models responsive to public needs.
• Transform the aviation ecosystem for long-term integration.

Key Milestones

The strategy sets a clear timeline for the rollout of AAM technologies, providing the regulatory certainty long requested by industry stakeholders:

• 2027: Initial commercial demonstrations and limited operations utilizing existing infrastructure, such as current airports and heliports.
• 2030: Expansion of operations into broader rural and urban environments.
• 2035: Introduction of autonomous (pilotless) operations in specific, controlled environments.

Six Pillars of the AAM Ecosystem

The report identifies six core pillars essential for a functional and safe AAM ecosystem. These pillars address the technical, physical, and social infrastructure required to support high-density, low-altitude flight operations.

1. Airspace Modernization

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tasked with modernizing Air Traffic Control (ATC) to manage the influx of new aircraft. The strategy proposes researching “cooperative operating practices,” where third-party service providers assist in managing airspace under FAA oversight, allowing for scalable operations without overwhelming current controllers.

2. Infrastructure Development

While early adoption will rely on existing airports and heliports, the strategy calls for the development of standards for new “vertiports” and electric charging networks. This includes retrofitting existing facilities to support electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

3. Security and Resilience

With increased digitization comes increased risk. The strategy emphasizes ensuring that new digital and physical systems are resilient against cyber threats and physical attacks, treating AAM infrastructure as critical national security assets.

4. Community Planning

Recognizing potential public resistance, the DOT plans to work closely with local governments to address noise concerns, privacy issues, and equitable access. Secretary Duffy, drawing on his background representing a rural district, has emphasized that AAM must connect underserved and rural communities, not just wealthy urban centers.

5. Workforce Development

The plan outlines the need to train a new generation of aviation professionals, including pilots, remote operators, and maintenance technicians specialized in electric propulsion and autonomous systems.

6. Automation and Certification

A critical long-term goal is establishing certification pathways for increasingly autonomous aircraft. The strategy envisions a shift from piloted aircraft to remotely piloted and eventually fully autonomous systems by 2035.

Geopolitical Context: An “America First” Approach

A distinct feature of this strategy is its focus on economic and national security. Secretary Duffy has positioned AAM as a “race” for autonomy, comparable to the space race. The administration’s policy explicitly discourages reliance on foreign adversaries for critical components such as batteries, avionics, and advanced materials.

The goal is to anchor production within the U.S., creating high-skilled manufacturing jobs and ensuring that American standards become the global norm for advanced aviation. This aligns with the broader administration focus on supply chain independence.

AirPro News Analysis

The release of the National AAM Strategy marks a significant pivot from viewing air taxis as a novelty to treating them as a strategic national asset. By explicitly linking AAM to “America First” manufacturing and national security, the DOT is likely signaling that federal funding and support will be tied to strict domestic sourcing requirements.

For investors and industry players, the 2027 timeline for commercial demonstrations is aggressive but provides a concrete target. However, the reliance on “cooperative operating practices” for airspace management suggests that the FAA is looking to delegate some traffic management responsibilities to the private sector, a move that could accelerate implementation but may raise questions regarding oversight and liability.

Industry Reaction

The aviation sector has largely embraced the announcement. Leading U.S. eVTOL manufacturers, including Archer Aviation and BETA Technologies, praised the strategy for providing the regulatory clarity needed to transition from testing to commercial service. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the plan’s potential to improve general aviation connectivity, while Airports Council International-North America expressed support but noted the necessity of federal funding to upgrade infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)?
AAM refers to an air transportation system that moves people and cargo between places using new aircraft designs, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles and drones, often in local, regional, or urban environments.

When will “flying cars” be available to the public?
According to the national strategy, limited commercial demonstrations are expected to begin by 2027, with broader availability in 2030.

Will these aircraft have pilots?
Initially, yes. The strategy outlines a transition period where aircraft will be piloted, moving toward autonomous (pilotless) operations by approximately 2035.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Transportation

Reviving the Electric Taxi: Green Taxi Aerospace Targets 2027 Certification

The aviation industry’s pursuit of emissions-free ground operations has received a renewed push. According to reporting by Leeham News, U.S.-based startup Green Taxi Aerospace (also known as Green Taxi Solutions) is advancing its “Zero Engine Taxi” system, with a firm target to achieve FAA certification by 2027. The company is initially focusing its retrofit solution on the Embraer E175 regional jet, a strategic move designed to capitalize on the high-frequency nature of regional aviation.

While the concept of electric taxiing, moving aircraft on the ground without using main engines, has existed for over a decade, previous attempts have struggled with weight penalties and commercial viability. Green Taxi Aerospace claims to have solved these engineering hurdles, backed by significant partnerships with Delta Air Lines, Embraer, and StandardAero.

Technical Breakthroughs and Weight Reduction

The core of the Green Taxi system involves installing electric motors inside the aircraft’s main landing gear wheels. These motors are powered by the aircraft’s existing Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), allowing the pilot to control speed and direction from the cockpit without engaging the main jet engines.

According to the Leeham News report, a critical differentiator for Green Taxi is the dramatic reduction in system weight compared to legacy attempts. Early iterations of electric taxi systems, such as the now-cancelled Safran/Honeywell EGTS project from 2013, added approximately 1,000 pounds to the airframe. This weight penalty often negated fuel savings during flight.

In contrast, Green Taxi CEO David Valaer, a former F-16 pilot, emphasized the advancements in modern power electronics.

“Ten years ago, the system weight was significantly heavier… ours weighs 20 pounds [referring to electronics].”

— David Valaer, via Leeham News

By driving the main landing gear rather than the nose wheel, the system also aims to provide superior traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions like snow or ice.

Strategic Partnerships and Funding

Green Taxi Aerospace has secured high-profile industry support to validate its technology. Leeham News notes that Delta Air Lines is providing operational data and testing support through its “Sustainable Skies Lab.” Additionally, the company has partnered with Embraer for technical validation on the E175 airframe and StandardAero to lead the certification process.

Financial backing for the development includes a $5.6 million grant from the FAA’s Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise (CLEEN) program, highlighting federal interest in technologies that reduce airport noise and carbon footprints.

The Business Case for Regional Jets

The company argues that regional jets represent the ideal launch market. Because aircraft like the E175 perform frequent short-haul flights, they spend a higher percentage of their operating time taxiing compared to long-haul widebody aircraft. Green Taxi projects the following operational benefits:

• Fuel Savings: A 5–20% reduction in fuel burn for short-haul flights.
• Cost Efficiency: Estimated savings of $250,000 to $350,000 per aircraft annually.
• Maintenance: Reduced wear on carbon brakes and lower risk of foreign object damage (FOD) to engines.

AirPro News Analysis

Why the “Main Gear” Approach Matters

We observe that Green Taxi’s decision to power the main landing gear, rather than the nose wheel, addresses a specific physics challenge that plagued competitors like WheelTug. The main gear carries approximately 90% of an aircraft’s weight. By applying torque there, the aircraft maintains better traction on wet or icy ramps, a critical requirement for airlines operating in winter climates. Furthermore, by targeting the retrofit market rather than waiting for new aircraft designs, Green Taxi opens an immediate addressable market of thousands of existing regional jets.

Timeline and Competitive Landscape

According to the timeline outlined in the report, Green Taxi plans to submit its certification plan to the FAA in late 2025, with a conforming prototype scheduled for assembly by mid-2026. If successful, the 2027 certification would place them ahead of other stalled initiatives.

The sector has seen high-profile failures, notably the Safran/Honeywell joint venture which ended in 2016 due to the aforementioned weight issues. Another competitor, WheelTug, utilizes a nose-wheel drive system but has faced repeated certification delays. Green Taxi aims to succeed by leveraging lighter modern electronics and a focus on regional aviation economics.

Sources

• Leeham News

This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation and additional market research.

Joby Aviation Completes Record-Breaking 2025 Flight Campaign, Targets 2026 Launch

Joby Aviation has officially concluded its 2025 flight test campaign, marking a pivotal year in the company’s transition from engineering development to operational maturity. According to a press release issued by the company on December 15, 2025, Joby completed its final international flight demonstration of the year at Japan’s Fuji Speedway, capping off a record-breaking twelve months of testing.

The Santa Cruz-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) developer reported that its fleet covered more than 50,000 miles (approximately 80,000 km) throughout 2025. This distance was achieved across more than 850 individual flights, representing a significant escalation in activity as the company prepares for commercial service. Joby stated that this operational tempo reflected a 2.6-fold increase in flight volume compared to 2024.

While the company had previously eyed 2025 for initial commercial operations, the focus of the past year remained heavily on validation and regulatory compliance. The data gathered during these extensive tests is intended to support the final phases of Certification with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with commercial passenger service now targeted for 2026.

Operational Milestones and Global Testing

Joby’s 2025 campaign was characterized by a shift toward high-tempo operational simulation. The company conducted Test-Flights in three major international markets, demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities in diverse environmental conditions and controlled airspace.

Key Performance Metrics

According to the company’s official statement, the 2025 testing program achieved the following milestones:

• Total Flights: Over 850 flights completed globally.
• Distance Flown: More than 50,000 miles accumulated in a single year.
• Operational Growth: A 260% increase in flight volume year-over-year.

International Demonstrations

The press release highlights three primary regions where testing took place:

• United States: Extensive testing continued in California, alongside a landmark exhibition flight in New York City, a key launch market for the company.
• Japan: In partnership with Toyota Motor Corporation, Joby conducted 14 piloted flights at the Fuji Speedway. These flights are part of the preparation for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
• United Arab Emirates: Joby completed its first piloted air taxi flight in Dubai, landing at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

James “Buddy” Denham, Chief Test Pilot at Joby Aviation, emphasized the significance of these real-world conditions in the company’s announcement:

“2025 saw the most extensive and rigorous flight testing in our history. Flying in active, controlled airspace in three countries… has been a powerful showcase of Joby’s operational maturity.”

The Path to Certification and Commercialization

The data collected throughout 2025 is critical for Joby’s ongoing certification efforts. The company is currently in Stage 4 of the FAA Type Certification process. The flight logs and telemetry from the past year will support the upcoming “Type Inspection Authorization” (TIA) phase in 2026, a rigorous step where FAA pilots will fly the aircraft for certification credit.

Joby has confirmed that its commercial Launch is now scheduled for 2026. This timeline aligns with their strategic agreements in key markets. In Dubai, Joby has secured a 6-year exclusive agreement to operate air taxis, with operations expected to commence as early as 2026. Similarly, launch plans for New York and Los Angeles are proceeding in partnership with Delta Air Lines and Uber.

AirPro News Analysis: Competitive Landscape

While Joby Aviation’s press release focuses on its own operational achievements, the broader eVTOL sector saw intense competition throughout 2025. Based on available market research and industry reports, Joby appears to maintain a lead in terms of actual flight data and miles flown.

Joby vs. The Field:

• Joby Aviation: Leader in flight volume (850+ flights in 2025) and capitalization, with approximately $1 billion in cash reserves reported late in the year.
• Archer Aviation: A strong contender, particularly in the UAE, where it is pushing aggressively for a late 2025 or early 2026 launch.
• Vertical Aerospace: Continues piloted flight tests but faces a tighter financial runway compared to its US-based rivals.
• Lilium: Manned flight testing was pushed to early 2025, with certification targeted for 2026.

Financial data from late 2025 indicates that the market has responded positively to Joby’s progress. The company’s stock (NYSE: JOBY) saw growth of approximately 80-90% year-to-date by December, valuing the company at approximately $13–14 billion. This valuation positions Joby as the most valuable pure-play eVTOL company in the current market.

Strategic Outlook for 2026

The coming year represents the final hurdle for Joby Aviation. With the “Year of the Pilot” concluded, the focus shifts entirely to regulatory finalization. The transition from manufacturer testing to FAA-led testing during the TIA phase will be the ultimate test of the aircraft’s safety and reliability.

In its press statement, the company noted:

“The flight data and insights accumulated this year are directly supporting the final stages of Joby’s FAA certification efforts.”

As the industry races toward the first commercial passenger flight, Joby’s strategy of accumulating massive amounts of flight data appears designed to minimize risk during these final certification stages. With a strong cash position and a proven airframe, the company is well-positioned to execute its 2026 launch plans in Dubai and the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Joby Aviation launch commercial service?
Joby is targeting a commercial launch in 2026, following the completion of FAA certification.

Where will Joby fly first?
The company has announced launch plans for Dubai (UAE), New York, and Los Angeles. Dubai is expected to be one of the first operational markets due to an exclusive 6-year agreement.

Is the Joby aircraft safe?
Joby is currently in Stage 4 of the FAA Type Certification process. The aircraft has undergone rigorous testing, including over 50,000 miles flown in 2025 alone, to prove its safety and reliability to regulators.

Who are Joby’s main partners?
Key partners include Toyota Motor Corporation (manufacturing and testing support), Delta Air Lines, and Uber.

Sources

• Joby Aviation Press Release