Three U.S. aerospace startups advance electric air taxi prototypes toward 2026 certification

Three U.S. aerospace startups are developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft intended for short-distance passenger and cargo transport. Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Beta Technologies have each built and flown prototypes that use battery-powered motors and multiple rotors.

Joby Aviation's S4 and Archer Aviation's Midnight designs both use six tilting rotors that transition between vertical lift and forward flight. Beta Technologies' Alia 250 uses four fixed vertical-lift propellers plus a rear pusher propeller and does not tilt any rotors.

Range and speed differences Beta's Alia 250 is rated for roughly 250 miles per charge and a top speed of 176 mph. Joby's aircraft reaches about 200 mph over 150 miles, while Archer's Midnight is listed at 150 mph and 100 miles of range.

Demonstrations and airline partnerships Joby completed a passenger demonstration flight from New York's JFK airport to downtown Manhattan. Beta flew its aircraft over Burlington, Vermont, in June. Archer and Joby conducted additional flights over California in October.

United Airlines placed a $1 billion order for up to 200 Archer aircraft in 2021. Joby signed a $60 million agreement with Delta Air Lines in 2022 for airport transfer services. UPS ordered up to 150 Beta aircraft, and Air New Zealand placed orders for Beta's cargo variant.

Archer aim to begin commercial passenger service by the end of 2026. Beta president and CEO Kyle Clark stated the Alia 250 faces a longer certification path that begins with its cargo version. All three companies are participating in a U.S. Department of Transportation program to integrate electric air taxis into the national airspace system.