eVTOL 2026 Guide

| Year                  | Expected eVTOL Milestone                                                                                  

| 2023–2025  | Early type certifications and prototype tests for pilots and commercial rules.                           

| 2025–2026  | First commercial services (e.g., Joby in Dubai), FAA demonstration programs in U.S. cities.             

|         2026         | Joby commercial launch in Dubai; Archer expected to begin operations.                                    

|         2027         | U.S. services from Joby; Eve (Embraer) eVTOL commercial introduction.                                    

|          2028        | Vertical Aerospace aims for certification and service; LA‑Olympics may feature eVTOL demonstration flights. 

|         2030+       | Autonomous eVTOL scaling and wider urban regional networks.                                              

Vehicle Type: eVTOL (e.g., Joby, Archer)

Typical Cost per Mile (USD): $3–$5

Vehicle Type: Traditional Helicopter

Typical Cost per Mile (USD): $10–$30

• eVTOLs are 2–6× cheaper per mile than helicopters

A: eVTOLs like the Archer Midnight prototype have reached 7,000 ft (2,100 m) in test flights, although normal urban operations are projected much lower (1,500–4,000 ft) to integrate with city flight corridors. 

A: eVTOL aircraft are significantly quieter than conventional helicopters, with their noise footprint estimated to be up to 8× lower in perceived loudness. In decibel terms, many eVTOL prototypes generate around 60–70 dB at ground level during takeoff and landing, compared to 85–100 dB for typical helicopters. 

A: The global eVTOL market could reach up to $38.8 billion by 2030, growing rapidly as urban air mobility expands. 

Joby Aviation: Expected to launch booking‑enabled eVTOL passenger services in Dubai (Q2–Q3 2026).

Archer Aviation: On track to begin commercial eVTOL bookings and flights later in 2026, likely starting in Abu Dhabi (UAE).

EHang: Has already started commercial eVTOL sightseeing flights with bookings in 2025.

U.S. cities: Commercial eVTOL bookings are expected closer to 2027.