(United States, 15th) The nightmare of traffic congestion for New Yorkers may soon be a thing of the past. The Trump administration has announced that the New York metropolitan area has been selected as a national 'air taxi' test zone, allowing travelers to commute between Manhattan and major regional airports in just 5 to 15 minutes, at the price point of a premium car service. Several companies have already planned the relevant air networks.
According to the New York Post, the Port Authority will collaborate with multiple aerospace companies to conduct a three-year test, using electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles to transport passengers. California-based Archer has already mapped out routes connecting downtown and midtown Manhattan with JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports.
According to Archer’s plan, in the future, passengers will be able to purchase tickets that include an air shuttle segment, with one-way prices expected to fall between $110 and $165 (RM433 to RM649).
Another participating company, Electra, has developed a small electric plane that only requires a 150-foot (about 46-meter) runway for takeoff and landing, meaning that parking lots or small clearings could become future transfer hubs.
In his executive order, Trump directed federal agencies to prioritize the use of domestically-made aircraft to the greatest extent permitted by law. Electra CEO Allen praised the move as “the pinnacle of American innovation.”
Additionally, the White House has shortened the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) rulemaking process from the original 36 months to just over one year, accelerating the commercialization of these new types of aircraft.
However, this plan has also raised concerns about noise and safety. Data shows that from 2023 to 2024, the FAA received a 150% surge in noise complaints. Federal officials stated that the 3-year pilot program will rigorously test technological safety, compliance with noise standards, and whether these short-haul flights can significantly improve regional mobility. The Port Authority has not commented on the plan at this time.