Why this market is moving now
- The FAA's ten-year powered-lift SFAR took effect on 21 January 2025, giving a path to train eVTOL pilots.
- In March 2026 the FAA selected eight proposals for its eIPP early-operations program.
- Joby planned its first eIPP flights for September 2026 and early operations across 11 states.
Key figures
Each figure names the source it came from. Open the source list below to read the quoted line.
| Figure | Value | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| The FAA's powered-lift final rule created a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) that runs for ten years; it was published on 21 November 2024 and took effect on 21 January 2025. | 10 years (SFAR duration) | 2025 | Federal Register / Federal Aviation Administration |
| As of March 2026, 14 of the 23 electric-propulsion type certification projects at the FAA since 2018 were in the special-class path, and all 14 are eVTOLs. | 14 eVTOL projects (of 23 electric-propulsion projects) | 2026 | U.S. Government Accountability Office |
| In March 2026 the FAA selected eight proposals for the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), announced in September 2025. | 8 eIPP proposals selected | 2026 | U.S. Government Accountability Office |
| Joby had five electric air taxis flying, including its first FAA-conforming aircraft, and 12 more in production as of its Q2 2026 letter. | 5 aircraft flying (12 more in production) | 2026 | Joby Aviation |
| Joby's chart of the five FAA certification stages showed Stage 5 ('Show & Verify') at 20% complete on Joby's side and 10% FAA-accepted as of 31 July 2026. | 20 % of Stage 5 complete by Joby (10% FAA-accepted) | 2026 | Joby Aviation |
| Joby's eIPP projects could allow early operations across 11 states, and it planned its first eIPP flights for September 2026. | 11 states | 2026 | Joby Aviation |
| Joby reported Q2 2026 revenue of $38.6 million and a net loss of $245.4 million. | 245.4 million USD net loss (revenue $38.6 million) | 2026 | Joby Aviation |
| The FAA confirmed it accepted 100% of the 797 means of compliance for Archer's Midnight aircraft. | 797 means of compliance accepted (100%) | 2025 | Archer Aviation |
Sources and method
The figures on this page come from the public sources listed below. Read how we work.
- Federal Register / Federal Aviation Administration: Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes (2024-11-21)
Quoted lines
- Figure 1
This final rule adopts permanent amendments and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for a period of ten years
- Figure 1
- U.S. Government Accountability Office: ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT: FAA Is Evaluating Designs for Certification and Considering Long-Term Regulatory Approaches (GAO-26-107816) (2026-05-27)
Quoted lines
- Figure 2
14 of the 23 electric propulsion type certification projects FAA has received since 2018
- Figure 3
In March 2026, FAA selected eight proposals for the program
- Figure 2
- Joby Aviation: Q2 2026 Shareholder Letter (2026-08-05)
Quoted lines
- Figure 4
now have five electric air taxis flying, including our first FAA-conforming aircraft. 12 additional aircraft are in various stages of production
- Figure 5
DATA AS OF JULY 31, 2026 ... STAGE 5 20% Show & Verify 10%
- Figure 6
provides an opportunity for us to begin early operations across 11 states
- Figure 7
revenue totaled $38.6 million. Our net loss of $245.4 million primarily reflected a net operating loss of $260.9 million
- Figure 4
- Archer Aviation: Q4 & FY 2025 Shareholder Letter | Unlock the Skies (2026-02)
Quoted lines
- Figure 8
the FAA confirmed its final acceptance of 100% of the 797 Means of Compliance for our Midnight aircraft.
- Figure 8
Companies to watch
Joby Aviation
Reported five electric air taxis flying and Stage 5 of FAA certification 20% complete on its side as of 31 July 2026.
Archer Aviation
FAA accepted 100% of the 797 means of compliance for its Midnight aircraft.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the United States market - 03Market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 05Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 06Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 07Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 08Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 09Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 10Method and sources
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Frequently asked questions
What is the FAA powered-lift rule?
The FAA's powered-lift final rule created a ten-year SFAR for pilot certification and operations. It was published 21 November 2024 and took effect on 21 January 2025.
Are eVTOL air taxis certified in the US yet?
GAO reported 14 eVTOL projects in the FAA special-class path as of March 2026. Joby's July 2026 data show its final certification stage 20% complete.
What is the eIPP?
It is the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, announced in September 2025. In March 2026 the FAA selected eight proposals, according to GAO.
When will Joby start flying passengers?
Joby said it planned its first eIPP flights for September 2026, with early operations possible across 11 states. It targets first passengers in 2026.
How much money do Joby and Archer lose?
Joby reported a Q2 2026 net loss of $245.4 million on $38.6 million of revenue.
How far along is Archer's Midnight certification?
Archer said the FAA accepted 100% of the 797 means of compliance for Midnight, per its Q4 2025 shareholder letter.
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