Air-taxi testing taking flight in Texas
FORT WORTH – Taxis are taking to the skies in Texas as the state launches test flights for a pilot program that’ll benefit the state economy and the nation.
TxDOT is launching the first phase of Project Nexus. This multi-state testing program is focused on safely preparing next-generation aircraft for future use in Texas skies.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration selected TxDOT’s proposal to be part of the new Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program back in March 2026.
“Under President Trump, we are unlocking the future of flight and empowering innovators to build and test these exciting aircraft right here in the U.S.,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Today marks another critical step in our work to reshape how people and products move for the better.”
"In Texas, we don't wait for the future to arrive, we build it," U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said. "The Lone Star State is pushing the boundaries by testing the next generation of aircraft through Project Nexus. I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their leadership and decisive action. These technologies will connect communities, expand access to jobs and services, and strengthen supply chains. What starts in Texas will help shape the future of aviation throughout the entire country."
“Texas has always understood that transportation is about more than moving people and goods. It is about connecting opportunity,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Steven D. Alvis. “Project Nexus puts Texas at the forefront of a transformational moment in aviation. Thanks to projects like these and the vision of Governor Greg Abbott, we are helping build a safer, more connected, and more prosperous future for Texans and for the country. This will help ensure our transportation system continues to meet the needs of a growing state and a growing economy.”
This first phase will test across the state using traditional aircraft such as helicopters and fixed-wing planes.
“We’re proud to lead the way in transportation innovation as we look to find new ways to connect the people of Texas,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Project Nexus is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to gather real-world data, improve safety and build a framework for how electric aircraft could one day connect people, goods and communities across the state.”
Project Nexus is focused on creating a scalable system that can connect urban centers, rural communities and neighboring states as advanced air mobility technology develops. These initial flights will not carry passengers and are designed to collect data, validate routes and support the safe development of future advanced air mobility operations.
Duffy, Cruz, and TxDOT helped launch this first phase at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. Manufacturers and operators were also there to provide an aircraft demonstration.
The nationwide projects involve leading aircraft manufacturers, operators and state partners and include a range of operational concepts, including:
- Urban air taxi services
- Regional passenger transportation
- Cargo and logistics networks
- Emergency medical response operations
- Autonomous flight technologies
- Offshore and energy-sector transportation
The Texas pilot will advance in phases over the next three years. The next phases involve testing for medical and cargo logistics, such as transporting critical medical supplies or organs between rural facilities and urban medical centers in Austin and San Antonio. The final phase involves passengers in “air taxi” flights across the Texas triangle.