By Philip Butterworth-Hayes
Ohio has become the latest applicant to submit a proposal to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The FAA expects to select at least five pilot projects by March 2026, with early operational activity anticipated to begin later in the year.
The Ohio proposal will deploy operational aircraft within three months of approval to solve critical medical transport challenges across a four-state region, said the state in a press release. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is leading a coalition that includes JobsOhio, BETA Technologies, Joby Aviation, NEOEx, the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) and the states of Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky. It is offering the FAA “a ready-to-launch program backed by more than USD1.2 billion in existing AAM infrastructure, certified propeller technology, and a proven multistate coordination framework.”
According to a press release, Ohio will test practical solutions for real-world pain points with this program, utilizing this new aerial technology for high-impact use cases. “Often, transport is time-sensitive, which gives these novel aircraft an advantage as they can often take off and land in places traditional aircraft cannot, allowing them to avoid congestion and improve access.
“Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky are formally supporting Ohio’s eIPP application, underscoring the importance of a coordinated, multistate approach to AAM…Priority uses of the technology – cargo and medical transport – naturally cross state lines, so regional alignment on standards, operations, and infrastructure is key to enabling the safe integration of new types of aircraft across the Midwest. In addition to winning the support of significant stakeholders across both the private and public sectors, ODOT has also engaged key airports in all four states, who are eager to incorporate these advanced vehicles into the National Airspace System (NAS).”
On January 27 Surf Air Mobility announced it has partnered with the Hawaii Department of Transportation and, BETA Technologies to be a candidate for the eIPP.
Surf Air Mobility’s airline subsidiary, Mokulele Airlines is the largest commuter airline in Hawaii by scheduled departures, providing high-frequency interisland service across 10 routes and nine destinations, according to a company press release, and plans to integrate electric aircraft into existing commercial airline service, an approach that aligns directly with the eIPP RFP’s objectives.
“In coordination with HDOT and BETA, Surf Air Mobility would bring together its airline operations, safety culture, SurfOS software, and community connectivity together with BETA’s electric aircraft technology, making it an ideal candidate for the eIPP initiative. BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft is designed for short-haul routes like those flown daily by Mokulele Airlines, creating a practical pathway for electrification within Hawaii’s existing air transportation system. The entities initially plan to conduct cargo-carrying missions between Mokulele’s existing route pairs.”
In December 2025 Archer Aviation announced it was partnering with multiple cities to join the eIPP programme, developing public-private partnerships with cities across California, Texas, Florida, Georgia and New York.
“Archer’s application with the City of Huntington Beach, California is exclusive, meaning it is the only air taxi OEM that is a part of that application,” said Archer. “This bid supports Archer’s plans for early air taxi operations in and around Los Angeles as part of its role as the Official Air Taxi Provider of the 2028 Olympic Games.
Also in December 2025 Wisk Aero said it would be joining the programme. “Wisk has established Houston, Texas as a primary U.S. launch market and is supporting proposals in the state. In addition to Texas, Wisk is supporting partners from Florida, New York, and California,” said the company. “Wisk, along with its affiliate SkyGrid, is already actively addressing the critical challenges necessary for expanding safe, efficient, and autonomous flight in the United States. The integration of Wisk’s Gen 6 aircraft and SkyGrid’s Strata system will provide the advanced certification and integration insights required to make that possible.”
Other potential candidates are Vertical Aerospace, Eve Air Mobility, Electra, Elroy Air and Pipestel.
For more information
https://investors.archer.com/news/news-details/2025/Archer-Moves-to-Launch-Air-Taxi-Trials-In-U-S–Cities-Under-White-House-Executive-Order-as-DOT-Unveils-National-AAM-Strategy/default.aspx
https://beta.team/stories/surf-air-mobility-partners-with-the-hawaii-department-of-transportation-and-beta-technologies-to-advance-electric-aviation-in-hawaii-with-eipp-application
(Image: BETA Technologies)