Company Partners With US Cities to Begin Initial Air Taxi Trials

Archer Aviation was quick to take advantage of the White House’s push to expand Advanced Air Mobility, announcing that it is pursuing partnerships with multiple US cities to launch early electric air taxi operations. This comes on the heels of a new AAM-focused executive order and the release of the Department of Transportation’s long-awaited National AAM Strategy.

President Trump’s “Unleashing Drone Dominance” executive order established the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), designed as a public-private effort led by the DOT and Federal Aviation Administration. It aims to create practical, near-term pathways for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to begin limited operations in U.S. cities, potentially as soon as next year, to help regulators and local governments gain their footing.

Archer’s submissions involve proposed partnerships with cities across California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and New York. The company claims to be focusing less on headline-grabbing demos and more on laying groundwork through standing up local operating teams, coordinating with emergency services, and developing infrastructure needed to support routine eVTOL flights.

“We’re past the question of ‘if’ and firmly into ‘when and how,’” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer. “Through our close work with the Administration, DOT, FAA and other federal agencies, we now have the clearest path to market this industry has ever had. The focus now is execution—building, deploying and flying these aircraft here in the United States.”

One application stands out: Archer’s bid with the City of Huntington Beach, California. This is an all-or-nothing deal, making it the only air taxi manufacturer included in that proposal. The effort ties directly into Archer’s plans for Southern California and its designation as the Official Air Taxi Provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The timing also aligns with the DOT’s unveiling of its National AAM Strategy. This is a coordinated roadmap with 40 recommendations that hope to streamline early operations while reinforcing domestic manufacturing, job creation, and US leadership in next-generation aviation.

“Today, we have a bold strategy to unlock the future of our skies and unleash this next chapter of aviation safely and efficiently,” explained Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “Advanced air mobility vehicles will benefit the American people—transforming how the flying public travels, how first responders jump into action and communities access healthcare, how businesses deliver goods, and how we defend our nation.”

The FAA is expected to review eIPP applications during this initial phase and announce selections in early to mid-2026.

FMI: www.archer.com