All articles tagged with #faa certification
Joby Aviation kicked off a 10-day FAA-backed eVTOL pilot in New York City, conducting demonstration flights between Manhattan heliports and JFK to explore five-seat electric air taxis that could shuttle riders in under 10 minutes. The effort, which involves Blade, Delta, and Uber partnerships, aims to inform future regulations and certification as urban air mobility expands globally.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a three-year pilot program to test ultralight and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft—often described as 'flying cars'—in eight regions starting as early as June, carrying passengers and cargo before full FAA certification. Companies including Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Joby Aviation, and Electra will demonstrate aircraft that require little space to take off and land, potentially offering quieter, cheaper, and lower-emission options with some autonomous capabilities. The FAA stresses the program is to inform future standards and policy, not bypass certification, as the industry eyes a broader deployment by 2028 and competition with international efforts in China and Dubai.
Archer Aviation reported a $137.9 million EBITDA loss on sales under $1 million and forecast a Q1 2026 EBITDA loss of $160–$180 million with full-year losses around $500 million on about $31 million in revenue; FAA certification could come as early as late 2026, and the company holds roughly $2 billion in liquidity, but the earnings miss and cautious outlook drove the stock lower, with mixed analyst views and targets, while profitability is not expected until 2029 as sales grow.
American Airlines has temporarily abandoned its plan to operate its new Boeing 787-9P with only seven flight attendants, citing the need for FAA certification and safety concerns raised by the union, which opposes reducing crew levels below the current minimum of eight.
Archer Aviation plans to launch an electric air taxi service in the Bay Area by 2025, offering quick rides between hubs like South San Francisco, San Jose, Napa, and Oakland. The company has received key FAA certifications and aims to provide a safe, sustainable, and low-noise transportation solution.
Archer Aviation has received a Part 135 air carrier certificate from the FAA, allowing it to operate conventional aircraft commercially through its subsidiary Archer Air. This certification is a step towards launching its Midnight eVTOL service in partnership with United Airlines, which has a $1 billion conditional order for Archer's aircraft. The arrangement will see Archer Air operating the eVTOL air taxis, with United providing financing and serving the flights to their passengers.
United Airlines is asking its pilots to take time off in May due to delays in receiving new Boeing planes, leading to a shortage of flight hours. The airline expects similar requests throughout the summer and possibly into the fall. The shortage primarily consists of Boeing 737 Max planes, including a new, larger model, and the FAA's increased scrutiny of Boeing is likely to further delay the certification of the Max 10. United is considering options to replace orders for the Max 10, and CEO Scott Kirby has been vocal about the problems at Boeing, seeking a meeting with Boeing directors. Boeing's CEO is set to step down at the end of the year as part of a leadership shakeup at the company.
Gulfstream Aerospace's new G700 business jet has received Federal Aviation Administration certification, paving the way for customer deliveries. The G700 can transport up to 19 people and features whisper-quiet noise levels, panoramic windows, and impressive range and speed capabilities. General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic previously mentioned having 15 jets ready for delivery, and the highly anticipated jet made an appearance at the Singapore Airshow.
United Airlines has reportedly asked Boeing to stop producing the 737 Max 10s it ordered and instead build Max 9s due to extended delays and uncertainty over certification. The airline is also considering purchasing Airbus A321s if the deal is economically viable. This decision comes amid increased scrutiny of Boeing following a recent incident involving a 737 Max 9 plane and reports of failed audits during FAA examinations. Boeing has announced additional compliance checks and audits to address quality issues in its 737 Max manufacturing processes.
Doroni Aerospace is set to test its two-seat electric flying car, the H1X, by the end of the year, with plans to deliver units to clients by 2025 pending R&D, production, and FAA certification. The aircraft, designed for urban air mobility, features four ducted fans for lift and forward propulsion, and is aiming for FAA certification as an ultralight aircraft. Priced between $300,000 and $400,000, the H1X has 450 pre-orders and is designed to fit in a two-car garage, with plans to eventually produce seven units per day.
Hyundai's advanced air mobility company, Supernal, unveiled its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the S-A2, with plans to launch passenger shuttles by 2028. The company has grown to a 600-person team and is leveraging the resources of Hyundai Motor Group and aviation suppliers to work towards commercialization. The S-A2 will undergo FAA certification and testing in California this year, with a design for suburban to inner city travel at 120 mph and 1,500-foot altitude. The aircraft is designed to operate at 65 decibels during takeoff and landing and 45 decibels while cruising, with a modular interior to accommodate future battery replacements.
California-based aeronautics company Alef has received a Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Armada Model Zero flying car, allowing it to test-fly the vehicle in limited locations. The all-electric vehicle, priced at $300,000, can also be driven on roads and has a flying range of 110 miles. Alef aims to provide an environmentally friendly and faster commute, with production and delivery of the Model A set to begin in late 2025. The company is also working on a four-person sedan to be released in 2035.
The US Federal Aviation Administration has granted a special airworthiness certificate to Alef Aeronautics' Armada Model Zero, an electric flying car prototype that can transition from driving to flying. The vehicle, equipped with eight rotors integrated into its frame, has received approval for public flight demonstrations, making it the "world's first real flying car" to be FAA-certified. Alef Aeronautics aims to provide an environmentally friendly and faster commute, with plans to begin production of its Model A by the end of 2025. Other contenders in the race for approved flying cars include Volkswagen's Flying Tiger and Klein Vision's AirCar.
Alef Aeronautics, a California-based sustainable mobility company, has received a Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA for its flying car, the Model-A. The lightweight vehicle is capable of driving on roads and flying, with a range of 200 miles on the ground and 110 miles in the air. The certification allows Alef to continue research and development testing, ensuring regulatory compliance, and conducting market survey efforts. Pre-orders for the two-seater vehicle are available, with a starting price of approximately $300,000, while a four-person sedan is also in development for a 2035 release.
Joby Aviation has completed the first aircraft off its pilot production line and has received FAA certification to begin test flights. The eVTOL developer aims to deliver the first-ever eVTOL to a customer next year, pending successful flight testing. Joby has received significant funding and support from companies like Toyota, and its production prototype has been designed and manufactured to meet FAA requirements. The prototype will undergo further testing before being delivered to Edwards Air Force Base. Joby plans to achieve commercial flight certification and begin passenger operations in 2025.