New York’s skies are opening up to a new way to travel

Electric air taxis are being tested across New York City as part of a federal pilot program aimed at advancing next-generation aviation technology.

The demonstration flights, conducted by Joby Aviation, are operating between Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport using the city’s existing heliport network.

The aircraft, known as electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), can take off and land vertically like helicopters before transitioning into forward flight. They are powered by electricity, producing zero operating emissions and designed to be quieter than traditional helicopters. Each aircraft can carry up to five people, including a pilot.

The company says the goal is to significantly reduce travel time, with trips between Manhattan and JFK potentially taking under 10 minutes, compared to over an hour by road during peak congestion.

The testing is part of a broader initiative by the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate how eVTOL aircraft can be safely integrated into existing airspace and infrastructure.

Several pilot programs are underway across the United States, covering use cases such as passenger transport, cargo delivery and emergency response.

Joby Aviation is currently in the final stages of certification, with regulators using data from these tests to develop rules for potential commercial deployment.