Low altitude economy eVTOL concept stocks have all surged, with Joby Aviation's stock price skyrocketing by over 11% at one point.

On September 12th Eastern Time, the Trump administration announced the launch of a new pilot project to accelerate the deployment of "air taxis". As companies continue to strive to overcome regulatory barriers in air travel, the US government hopes to promote the industry through this measure.

The launch of the eVTOL pilot project by the US government marks the acceleration of the low altitude economy industry's landing phase. This policy measure aims to promote the safe operation and large-scale application of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, while consolidating the US's global leadership position in transportation innovation.

🚁 Core content and objectives of the pilot project

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the project will include at least five demonstration projects in collaboration between state and local governments and private enterprises, with a focus on promoting the safe operation of electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs). These projects will cover multiple application scenarios:
• Short distance air taxi service

Long range fixed wing flight

• Freight and logistics transportation

Flight missions serving emergency management, medical transportation, or offshore energy facilities

Participants will use advanced air travel vehicles with manned, optional manned, or unmanned capabilities, typically weighing over 1320 pounds (599 kilograms), capable of carrying passengers, and utilizing new technologies to ensure safe integration into the national airspace system.

📈 Market response and industry background

Stimulated by this policy, eVTOL concept stocks in the US stock market have surged across the board:
Joby Aviation's stock price surged by over 11% during the trading session

Archer Aviation surged by over 3%

This market reaction reflects investors' strong confidence in the low altitude economic outlook. Currently, there are over 1000 eVTOL research and development projects worldwide, and Morgan Stanley predicts that the total size of the global eVTOL market will reach $1.5 trillion by 2040. Major air taxi companies are competing to obtain regulatory approval and promote commercialization to meet the growing demand for faster and more sustainable urban transportation.

🌍 International competitive landscape

The US government's action is launched against the backdrop of intensified global competition in the low altitude economy
Trump instructed the creation of the project through an executive order in June this year, with the intention of putting the United States at the forefront of the world in this field

Several countries, including India and the United Arab Emirates, are also accelerating the deployment of eVTOLs, which are expected to begin carrying paying passengers as early as 2026

Joby Aviation completed test flights in Dubai in July 2025 and plans to launch commercial air taxi operations in 2026. The first operational station will be located near Dubai International Airport

🔧 Regulatory Framework and Infrastructure

The FAA has completed the development of pilot training and license certification rules for air taxis in October 2024, providing the necessary regulatory framework for the industry. FAA Director Brian Bedford stated that this pilot program provides new opportunities for the United States to learn from these pilot projects and promote safe and scalable nationwide operations.

💡 Industry Challenges and Prospects

Despite its broad prospects, the eVTOL industry still faces many challenges:
Airworthiness certification capability is a key passport for eVTOL manufacturers to enter the market and achieve commercialization. There are currently over 1000 eVTOL development projects worldwide, but less than 30 have completed full-scale maiden flights, less than 20 have entered the airworthiness certification stage, and less than 10 have completed conversion flights

Whether manned or unmanned, eVTOL manufacturing companies must obtain an airworthiness certificate in order to conduct commercial sales and delivery, which has become a barrier to entry in the industry

💎 summary

The eVTOL pilot project of the US government is an important milestone in the development of the low altitude economy, accelerating technology validation and commercialization through cooperation between the government and private enterprises. This measure will not only promote transportation innovation, create economic opportunities and job opportunities, but also establish the United States' technological leadership position in the global low altitude economic competition. With the improvement of regulatory framework and the promotion of pilot projects, eVTOL is expected to achieve large-scale commercial operation in the next few years, fundamentally changing the urban transportation and logistics transportation pattern.