U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy selects UDOT to lead federal pilot program to test electric aircraft and help integrate advanced aviation technologies into the national airspace

The Utah Department of Transportation today was selected to lead a federal pilot program to test advanced electric aircraft and other emerging aviation technologies in real-world operations.

The Federal Aviation Administration, through the U.S. Department of Transportation, selected Utah as one of eight projects nationwide for the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program, a three-year initiative designed to help safely integrate advanced aircraft into the national airspace.

Through the initiative known as uFLY, Utah will lead a partnership with Oregon, Idaho, Arizona and Oklahoma, along with industry partners and research institutions, to test new aviation technologies and gather data that will help shape the future of flight in the United States.

Industry partners include BETA Technologies, Ampaire, Joby Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Future Flight Global, Alpine Air, Jump Aero and 47G.

“Utah has built a national reputation as a home to innovation,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said. “This partnership puts Utah at the forefront of the next generation of aviation technology while creating new opportunities for economic growth, research and workforce development across our state.”

“As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, I am proud to lead a multi-state initiative to the U.S. Department of Transportation to highlight how Utah is prepared to lead the charge in aviation innovation,” U.S. Rep. Mike Kennedy, R-Utah, said. “eVTOL tech is transforming aviation and Utah is ready to take the lead as one of the eight selected states. America wins when Utah leads.”

“Utah stands ready to help lead the next chapter of American aviation and is uniquely positioned to develop advanced air mobility,” Senate President Stuart Adams said. “With our strong aerospace sector, innovative research institutions and diverse landscape for real-world testing, Utah and our regional partners can help advance these technologies safely and effectively. This effort will accelerate next-generation transportation and position Utah to showcase the future of flight as we welcome the world for the 2034 Winter Olympics.”

The project brings together more than 30 public and private partners to conduct real-world flight operations and evaluate how advanced aircraft could support cargo delivery, emergency response, wildfire response and future passenger transportation.

eVTOL aircraft are emerging aviation technologies that use electric propulsion and can take off and land vertically, with the potential to generate new jobs, connect communities and strengthen America’s leadership in aviation.

“Thanks to President Trump, the future of aviation is here — and it’s going to dramatically improve how people and products move,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said. “Working together, we will ensure America leads the way in safely leveraging eVTOLs to radically redefine personal travel, regional transportation, cargo logistics, emergency medicine, and so much more.”

Utah transportation leaders say the program highlights the state’s commitment to planning for the future of mobility.

“Our job is to look ahead and prepare for what transportation will look like in the future,” UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras said. “This partnership allows Utah to help lead the way as new aviation technologies become part of everyday mobility.”

Testing will take place across a wide range of operating environments throughout the western United States, including urban areas, rural corridors, mountainous terrain and wildfire-prone regions. These diverse conditions will help federal aviation officials better understand how advanced aircraft perform in real-world scenarios.

UDOT Aeronautics has already deployed technology to support advanced aviation testing across the state. The division operates mobile command centers equipped with workstations and satellite connectivity that allow crews to connect aircraft systems, monitor live video and flight data, and coordinate testing operations from the field. The portable units can be deployed statewide and will support data collection and testing as part of the federal pilot program.

“47G is deeply grateful to partner with UDOT and our state stakeholders,” said Aaron Starks, 47G President and CEO. “Utah has long been a place where industry, government, and innovators work together to move bold ideas forward, and this effort reflects that spirit of collaboration. Advanced air mobility represents more than a new technology—it represents a new frontier for economic mobility, connectivity, and opportunity across our state. We’re proud to help position Utah at the forefront of shaping the future of flight.”

The effort builds on Utah’s ongoing work to explore advanced air mobility as part of the state’s long-term transportation planning and preparation for future mobility needs.

The project could also support future transportation planning as Utah prepares to host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, where emerging aviation technologies could assist with logistics, emergency response and regional mobility.