# Electric Air Taxis Are Finally Ready for Takeoff New technology and regulations are bringing air taxis to life. - **Source:** [Fortune](https://fortune.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-03 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8dba999c-2a63-4898-9685-468024f72c3d ## Air Taxis Are Closer Than Ever Paul Sciarra, executive chairman of Joby Aviation, states that the journey from Manhattan to JFK Airport will take less than 10 minutes. Electric air taxis are becoming a reality thanks to new technology, competition, and regulations. Pilot projects starting this summer will test cargo and passenger transportation in the U.S. ## Features of eVTOLs eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles) combine the features of helicopters, airplanes, and drones. Joby’s vehicle takes off vertically with six electric rotors and produces less noise than traditional helicopters. It can carry four passengers and a pilot up to 100 miles. ## Pilot Projects and Tests Joby Aviation is preparing for real-world tests in New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Florida. Backed by Toyota, Uber, and Delta Air Lines, the company will start with cargo transportation. Archer Aviation aims to begin commercial operations by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. ## Public Trust and Safety Public trust is crucial for the widespread adoption of air taxis. The multi-rotor design of eVTOLs is considered safer than traditional helicopters. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs to approve this new category of vehicles. ## Air Traffic and Automation Air taxis will fly below 4,000 feet on short routes, and air traffic control will become a significant issue. Raymond James analyst Savanthi Syth notes that automation systems will be needed when hundreds of air taxis fly in cities. ## Companies and Investments Joby Aviation leads with a market cap of $7.6 billion. Archer Aviation, backed by investors like United Airlines, has reached a valuation of $3.7 billion. Beta Technologies, supported by Amazon and GE Aerospace, is conducting tests in 26 states. ## Future and Potential Air taxis can open a new axis of transportation by overcoming physical barriers like mountains and traffic. Sciarra emphasizes that this technology can be used in areas where helicopters cannot operate, potentially revolutionizing transportation. ## Conclusion and Importance Air taxis herald a major transformation in the transportation sector. With new technologies and regulations, these vehicles could become widespread in cities in the near future. However, challenges like public trust and air traffic control need to be addressed. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/08/03/electric-air-taxis-joby-aviation-evtols-archer-aviation/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._