Electric air taxis fly across Tampa Bay in state demonstration

Two electric air taxis completed test flights across Tampa Bay on Friday morning, marking a new phase in Florida's push to integrate advanced air mobility into its transportation system. The demonstrations were organized by the Florida Department of Transportation and included a flight by Joby Aviation and a separate route recreation by BETA Technologies.

Joby's S4 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft traveled from St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport. The company stated the aircraft uses six tilting propellers and electric propulsion, designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of about 200 mph. BETA Technologies' ALIA CX300, which operates like a conventional airplane, flew a path mirroring the 1914 commercial flight by pilot Tony Jannus.

Gov. Ron DeSantis described the technology as the closest current approximation to flying cars. He said the state is working to make these aircraft part of the official transportation network, citing potential uses for air taxi services that function like rideshare options to avoid highway congestion. DeSantis noted that Florida has invested in advanced air mobility through legislation, infrastructure, and research.

The state participates in the Federal Aviation Administration's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, one of eight projects across 26 states. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said Florida's support distinguishes it from other regions and could help connect smaller communities to national transportation systems. The program aims to test how these aircraft operate safely in national airspace.

Florida is building supporting infrastructure at SunTrax, a 775-acre research facility in Polk County. The site has been expanded to include two vertiports with charging infrastructure, an aerial test track, and hangar space. Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said the state is preparing for new forms of transportation to address congestion and support the movement of people and goods.

Chris Caputo, BETA's head of flight operations, said the companies conducted 26 flights over three days during the demonstration period. The aircraft consumed 1,892 kilowatt-hours of electricity, with an estimated cost of approximately $300. Caputo noted that two pilots completed the flights without a ground crew, helping companies collect data needed to move from demonstration to commercial service.

Bonny Simi, Joby's president of operations, compared the potential impact to the current 23-mile drive between St. Petersburg and Tampa across the Howard Frankland Bridge. She said that while the drive can take nearly an hour during rush hour, a flight could take about 10 minutes. Simi said Joby is working with federal and state officials to develop the infrastructure and procedures required for regular commercial operations.

Officials have not announced when passengers will be able to book flights or the cost of a trip. Regulators and companies still need to finalize operating procedures for regular service. DeSantis said the demonstration is an early step toward a statewide network of electric aircraft routes, predicting more activity in the coming weeks and months.