The FAA wants private companies to approve new airlines and air taxis

The US aviation regulator is asking for public comment on letting private companies handle more of the certification work for new airlines and air taxi services. This would mean private organizations, not government staff, would check if new air operators meet safety standards before they can fly.

For decades, the US aviation regulator has directly approved every new airline and air taxi service. This process is slow and expensive, especially for smaller operators. If this change goes through, it could speed up the launch of new air services, including many of the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft currently in development.