Vertical Aviation Society (VAI) has shown its appreciation to the Trump administration and the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) following the news that the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) will be accelerated and expanded.
The programme was announced in September 2025, aiming to form public-private partnerships with State and local government entities and private sector companies to develop frameworks and regulations for AAM operations. Originally, the eIPP expected to cover five pilot projects: short-range air taxis; longer-range, fixed wing flights; cargo; logistics and supply serving emergency management, medical transport or off-shore energy facilities; and increasing automation safety.
However, the latest development is that USDOT has selected eight pilot projects instead, exceeding the minimum requirements for the programme, which is expected to last for three years. Coinciding with VAI’s statement, it was also announced at VERTICON that BETA Technologies, an eVTOL developer, has been selected by USDOT to act as the launch participant in seven of the eight projects.
“Vertical aviation is entering a new phase of innovation, and programs like the eIPP help ensure that progress occurs within a disciplined, safety-focused framework,” said François Lassale, president and CEO of VAI. “We appreciate the leadership of the administration and Secretary Duffy in moving quickly to establish these pilot partnerships and advance the safe integration of new aircraft and operational models.”
Lassale continued: “Programs like this help the aviation community move from concept to operational reality. By bringing together local governments, industry innovators, and federal regulators, the eIPP will produce practical lessons that support safe, scalable advanced air mobility operations across the United States.
Photo: VAI
