The next generation of aircraft could soon be taking off from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation officially announced the state’s participation in the FAA’s Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program.
[ READ MORE: USDOT approves NC’s eVTOL proposals, eyeing regional operations ]
The new planes take off and land vertically like a helicopter and are often autonomous.
The state says its program is called Electric Logistics and Integrated Flight Testing-North Carolina (eLIFT-NC.)
The goal is to create a statewide network of electric air taxis connecting hospitals, airports and rural communities to improve health care access and quality of care, while meeting rigorous safety and infrastructure standards.
Phase 1 will take off from Concord, and it will go to Piedmont Triad International Airport.
Phase 2 would extend the service to Richmond.
NCDOT officials say the goal of Phase 1 is to establish daily service on core routes, expand to additional airports and test safety in different conditions.
The state plans to start coordinating with the FAA in the coming months.
A start date has not been announced.
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