FAA Unveils Advanced Air Mobility Plan with Electric Air Taxi Services at Scale by 2028

The Federal Aviation Administration has published a plan for advanced air mobility that anticipates electric air taxi services operating “at scale” at one or more key locations by 2028.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released an implementation plan that outlines the steps it and others will need to take to safely enable advanced air mobility (AAM) operations in the near term. The plan, called “Innovate28”, aims to have AAM services operating “at scale” at one or more sites by 2028.

AAM refers to the use of new technologies and aircraft designs, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, to provide on-demand transportation of people and goods in urban and rural areas. AAM is expected to offer benefits such as reduced congestion, lower emissions, and increased accessibility.

The Innovate28 plan covers various aspects of AAM integration, such as aircraft and pilot certification, airspace access and management, infrastructure development, security, and community engagement. The plan also includes a planning guide that can be applied to any site, laying out key integration objectives and sequences.

The FAA said the plan will serve as a foundation for making entry into service routine and predictable by maximizing the use of existing procedures and infrastructure. The plan does not change the mid-decade target for type certifying aircraft from companies like Archer and Joby Aviation, which expect to launch initial services in 2025.

The FAA is collaborating closely with stakeholders, including other federal agencies, state and local governments, industry partners, labor groups, and NASA. The plan follows the agency’s recent release of its airspace blueprint and its proposed rule for training and certifying pilots to fly AAM aircraft.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, faa.gov/air-taxis, globalair.com