After AI, transportation is the next frontier of innovation: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has addressed the growing number of drone incidents near airports, notably detailing a recent collision involving a JetBlue flight, while also mentioning ongoing investigations. He introduced new FAA technology intended for civilian supersonic flights to help cut down travel times. Additionally, Duffy emphasized the importance of innovations in autonomous vehicles and drone deliveries, stressing the need to balance safety with the advancement of transportation technology across the nation.

Recently, Texas has embarked on a new initiative that might just change how we think about commuting. While sitting in traffic can feel endless, flying over it seems like a promising alternative. Earlier this month, the Texas Department of Transportation launched the first phase of Project Nexus, a three-year program aimed at integrating next-generation aircraft into the Texas airspace.

The project kicked off on September 10 at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, featuring demonstrations from companies like BETA Technologies and Joby Aviation. Joby showcased its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, known as an eVTOL, though no passengers were onboard for these initial flights. The aim is to explore how air taxis could eventually integrate into everyday transportation options.

Flying taxi testing has officially started in Texas

Project Nexus is set to develop in phases over the next three years. The initial phase employs traditional aircraft—helicopters and fixed-wing planes—to test routes and gather data. According to TxDOT, these early flights will help validate potential flight paths and lay the groundwork for advanced air mobility operations in the future. Moreover, Joby has initiated a week-long series of piloted electric air taxi flights across North Texas, aligning with TxDOT’s Project Nexus in conjunction with the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. These missions plan to include direct flights into DFW International Airport, routes to Arlington, and connections between Alliance Airport and Toyota Motor North America’s headquarters in Plano. Notably, one of the significant tests is the planned direct flight into DFW’s controlled airspace, attempting to integrate these aircraft into one of the world’s busiest airport environments.

Air taxis are getting closer to reality

We’ve been tracking the development of eVTOLs for several years, witnessing how they can ascend vertically like helicopters and then transition to forward flight using their wings. This year, a federal pilot program indicated the potential for air taxis within U.S. airspace before the industry achieves full commercial service. Plans for air taxis at New York City’s primary airports and Joby’s partnership with Virgin Atlantic for electric air taxi services in the U.K. have also drawn attention. What’s intriguing now—at least for me—are the locations these companies are focusing on and how regulatory agencies are testing them in established airport environments. That’s precisely where Project Nexus steps into the light.

Why Dallas-Fort Worth gives air taxis a serious test

The Dallas-Fort Worth area presents challenges that you won’t find at secluded testing sites. Joby’s flights are scheduled between Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport and multiple destinations throughout the region, including DFW International Airport. This operation has been in the works for years, beginning with studies by the FAA and NASA on integrating electric air taxis in North Texas back in 2018. In 2023, Joby and NASA carried out a simulation to assess whether DFW could handle up to 50 electric air taxi operations each hour. Transitioning from computer models to actual flights in North Texas is the next significant step. Notably, Joby has secured a 45,000-square-foot facility at Perot Field, establishing a long-term presence in the area that extends beyond the initial flight campaign.

Project Nexus may move medical supplies before passengers

What makes the Texas initiative particularly fascinating is its focus on practical applications. While air taxis often captivate the imagination in terms of leisurely travel, some early missions under Project Nexus may concentrate on logistics for medical supplies. TxDOT has specifically mentioned the potential for transporting essential medical items, such as organs, between rural hospitals and urban medical centers in cities like Austin and San Antonio. It’s perhaps easier to grasp the benefits here compared to the idea of simply skipping traffic to save a few minutes. Accelerating the transport of critical medical supplies could illustrate the technology’s real-world value, all while passenger services are still in development.

Passenger air taxis come later

Eventually, the goal of Project Nexus is to transport passengers. TxDOT has plans for final phases that will feature air taxi flights throughout the Texas Triangle, connecting Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. However, that doesn’t mean we’ll see a commercial service rollout anytime soon. Joby still has to navigate through certification processes. The company has indicated that it’s progressed into the final stage of FAA type certification, with ongoing testing as part of this. So, it’s unlikely we’ll be booking air taxis alongside our rideshare apps any time in the immediate future. Current efforts are focused on understanding how these aircraft can operate safely before services for passengers begin to expand.

Air taxi testing is spreading across the US

While Texas is currently a focal point, Project Nexus is a segment of a broader federal initiative. The eVTOL Integration Pilot Program encompasses eight projects spanning 26 states, and testing is focusing not just on passenger transport but also medical and cargo operations. There have been notable developments; for example, earlier this month featured FAA testing of Elroy Air’s pilotless hybrid-electric Chaparral cargo aircraft, and BETA Technologies and United Therapeutics have conducted tests for electric aircraft to transport organs. Other projects are underway in states like New York, New Jersey, and Florida among others. Thus, while Texas stands out as a significant testing ground for air taxis, it is certainly not alone. The larger question remains: if these initiatives expand, how soon might you witness such aircraft in your vicinity?

What this means to you

Should air taxis become part of your local transportation options, a pressing question arises: will they actually simplify your life? Skipping over traffic sounds appealing, especially when heading to an airport or navigating a congested metro area. Yet, the convenience hinges on the locations of takeoff and landing, the cost of rides, and the actual time saved. Additionally, there’s concern about noise levels—electric vehicles are designed to be quieter than helicopters, but there’s a difference between occasional noise and the regular sound of flights overhead. Furthermore, before these services can become standardized, the FAA must be confident about the safety aspect. That’s precisely why the Texas tests are critical; they allow regulators to observe how these aircraft perform in busy airspace before they are ready for wider passenger service. For me, that’s what makes Project Nexus noteworthy. We’ve established that these aircraft can take to the skies; now, we need to see if they can mesh with our existing transportation methods.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Having followed the evolution of air taxis for years, it seems that Project Nexus is a pivotal test that could indicate whether they will become viable means of transportation. Operating in North Texas and at DFW gives Joby an opportunity to demonstrate how these aircraft can navigate the same busy airspace typical of commercial aviation. I’m particularly intrigued by the medical applications. If an electric aircraft can transport a critical organ or medical supplies faster between facilities, that could be an early demonstration of this technology’s usefulness. However, I still find myself circling back to two crucial factors: affordability and convenience. If the nearest landing site is substantially out of your way or if the fare is through the roof, the allure of flying over gridlock fades quickly. Noise, too, will be a significant consideration for communities as air traffic increases. We know air taxis can fly; now, what remains to be seen is whether they can offer enough time savings, at a reasonable cost, to convince you to book one.