The North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation announced on March 13 that it has been chosen to participate in the Federal Aviation Administration’s Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program.
The selection allows North Carolina to work with the FAA and other states to test next-generation electric aircraft, aiming to shape future regulations and safety standards. The partnership is expected to position North Carolina as a leader in advanced air mobility while providing opportunities for early operations.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said, “Thanks to President Trump, the future of aviation is here — and it’s going to dramatically improve how people and products move. Congratulations to the great American innovators behind each of these exciting pilot programs. Working together, we will ensure America leads the way in safely leveraging next-gen aircraft to radically redefine personal travel, regional transportation, cargo logistics, emergency medicine, and so much more.”
The NCDOT initiative under this program is called eLIFT-NC (Electric Logistics and Integrated Flight Testing). It aims to create a statewide network of electric air taxis connecting hospitals, airports, and rural communities. The goal is to improve healthcare access while meeting safety and infrastructure requirements.
Julie White, deputy secretary for multimodal transportation at NCDOT, said, “North Carolina is ready to turn next-generation aircraft into real-world solutions for our communities. Through the eIPP, we will connect rural areas, expand mobility options and demonstrate how electric aviation can benefit residents across the state.”
The plan includes phases such as initial training operations, expanded route development, and hospital pad-to-pad missions using eVTOL aircraft. Planning also covers charging infrastructure and vertiport development needed for long-term use.
NCDOT will work with health care providers as well as industry partners like BETA Technologies and Joby Aviation. Kristen Costello, BETA’s head of regulatory and government affairs, said: “North Carolina has leaned forward on AAM from day one. With strong partners like NCDOT and Raleigh Executive Jetport, we’re ready to move from readiness planning to real operations under the eIPP. This is a big opportunity to prove how electric aviation can deliver critical cargo and medical support to connect communities, expand access, and strengthen disaster response across the state.”
Early implementation activities are expected in coordination with the FAA in coming months. More details will be shared as project milestones are reached.
