May 2, 2026, 4:59 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
In New York, they are currently testing how air taxis could transform traffic in one of the world’s largest cities. The goal is to transport passengers much faster between downtown and the airport. A startup is currently testing these flights to assess their practicality. Instead of long drives through heavy traffic, the route should be completed in just a few minutes in the future. The ongoing trials aim to show whether the concept proves itself in real-world operations.
Shorter Travel Time Between City and Airport
The route between Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) currently takes between 60 and 120 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The tested air taxi aims to reduce this time to under 10 minutes. Initial test flights are already underway and are intended to demonstrate how efficiently air transport can work. The project is being advanced by the U.S. company Joby Aviation, which focuses on electrically powered aircraft.
Aircraft with Special Technology
An eVTOL aircraft is being used. This abbreviation stands for electric Vertical Take-off and Landing. The aircraft can take off and land vertically like a helicopter. At the same time, it operates much quieter and causes no operational emissions. According to Joby Aviation, these features are considered a crucial advantage in densely populated cities. The flights depart from centrally located helicopter landing pads and go directly to JFK Airport.
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Test Phase Aims to Provide Insights
The current flights are part of a program by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Various scenarios are being tested over a period of ten days. The main focus is on gaining experience under real conditions. The results are intended to help further advance the introduction of air taxis and optimize technical processes.
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Approval Determines the Start
Official approval is still lacking for regular operations. Without this authorization, no commercial flights can be offered. The test phase is intended to speed up the process. The service was originally scheduled to start in 2025. Currently, the second half of 2026 is being considered. Then, the first commercial offerings are expected to launch in several U.S. states, including New York, Texas, and Florida.