The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced its proposal to use its network of regional airports to test the use of electric aircraft has been selected to participate in a Federal Aviation Administration’s pilot program.
The Port Authority will be one of eight projects nationwide to participate in the FAA’s Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), a first-of-its-kind federal initiative to accelerate the safe integration of next-generation electric aircraft into the national airspace system.
Developed with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, as well as aerospace companies Archer Aviation, BETA Technologies, Electra, Joby Aviation, Wisk Aero, and other stakeholders, the proposal’s selection positions the Port Authority as a central testing ground for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology. The proposal was one of 30 submitted nationally.
“This selection by the Federal Aviation Administration is a major win for New Jersey and the entire region,” New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said. “The Port Authority is uniquely positioned to lead the safe integration of new aviation technology. This project will bring real benefits for New Jerseyans by reducing noise pollution and improving air quality in communities near our airports. It also underscores New Jersey’s role as a national leader in innovation. By putting our airports and infrastructure to work in this pilot, we are helping shape a better and more sustainable future for New Jersey.”
Advanced Air Mobility is an emerging technology sector focused on moving people and goods more efficiently within and between urban areas. The technology has the potential to reduce noise pollution, ease congestion, improve air quality, and connect communities that have historically lacked direct air access, like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Officials said the Port Authority will coordinate eIPP activities across its airports, as well as existing heliport and vertiport infrastructure in New York City. Planned pilot activities include airport transfers, regional connectivity between general aviation airports, medical transport missions, cargo logistics, and noise evaluation across different environments. The operational experience and data generated through the program will directly inform FAA rulemaking and national AAM operational standards.
“New York’s airports are our gateways to the world, and for decades, they have been hubs of innovation in how we move people and goods,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This testing program will set the stage for our world-class airports to boldly take on the next generation of flight, with cleaner and safer air travel making our skies more sustainable and bringing communities closer together.”