Investors pour into Joby and Archer after White House announces air taxi pilot program participation
On Friday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the creation of a new FAA pilot program aimed at speeding up the development of “advanced air mobility” vehicles, including electric air taxis made by Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation.
Joby shares climbed more than 5% in premarket trading on Monday, after closing up 2% on Friday. Archer shares rose 7% in the premarket, following a 3% jump. Both companies announced their plans to participate in the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), which the FAA says will include at least five projects and run for three years.
Both companies have been burning cash as they work toward FAA certification to kick off their commercial air taxi businesses in the US. Joby last month said it’s 70% complete with the fourth stage of its five-stage certification process.
The eIPP was first hinted at in President Trump’s June executive order, aimed at speeding up adoption of the electric vertical takeoff aircraft.