The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) have selected eight pilot proposals to begin real-world testing of next-generation aircraft, local media outlets reported Tuesday, noting that "flying taxis" could soon take flight across 26 states.

The projects are part of the newly launched Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), and will include urban air taxi services, cargo delivery and emergency medical response.

The futuristic aircraft are expected to operate on electric or hybrid propulsion and may carry passengers or cargo, taking off and landing in relatively confined spaces. They are often referred to as "flying taxis," "air taxis," or "flying cars," reflecting their potential as an alternative to traditional transportation.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday in a statement that the selected partnerships will help integrate emerging technologies into the national aviation system. Authorities expect related initial operations to begin by the summer of 2026.

The eIPP is designed to generate operational experience and data to help inform future safety standards for eVTOL aircraft. Federal officials noted that participating aircraft will generally exceed 599 kg in weight.

The three-year study period will conclude 36 months after the first pilot project becomes operational. Selected participants must enter into Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) with the FAA to define specific operational boundaries for their aircraft.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will lead a project exploring 12 operational concepts across the New England region. The effort includes testing electric air taxi services at the Manhattan heliport to connect with major regional airports.

In Texas, the state's transportation department will support a regional network linking the hubs of Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston. Industry partners, including Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation, will participate in establishing these regional flight corridors.

The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, will lead a focused project aimed at advancing autonomous operations in partnership with flight automation developers. The initiative seeks to integrate large uncrewed aircraft systems into controlled US airspace.

Beta Technologies of Vermont was selected to participate in seven of the eight pilot programs, more than any other manufacturer. The company plans to deploy its aircraft initially for critical cargo and medical logistics missions before expanding into passenger services.

Federal trials will also evaluate infrastructure standards for vertiports, specialized landing areas for powered-lift aircraft. Research will focus on managing wind velocity generated by downwash and outwash, which can exceed 55.5 km per hour.

Data collected from the projects will be used by the FAA to develop permanent regulations covering pilot certification and air traffic management. The agency aims to ensure the National Airspace System can safely accommodate a high density of electric aircraft operations in the future.