On June 11, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a trio of executive orders aimed at revolutionizing American aviation by fast-tracking the development of flying cars, accelerating domestic drone production, and revitalizing supersonic flight technology. These directives are designed to cut through longstanding regulatory barriers that have slowed innovation in these cutting-edge sectors.
The centerpiece of this initiative is a new pilot program for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft—commonly referred to as flying cars—targeted at applications such as emergency medical services, air taxis, cargo transport, and defense logistics. This program builds on a similar drone pilot effort launched in 2017, signaling a sustained commitment to positioning the U.S. as a leader in advanced air mobility.
In addition to fostering innovation, the orders emphasize national security by addressing the growing threats posed by unauthorized drone activities, including criminal and terrorist misuse. Measures include enhanced detection, identification, and enforcement protocols to safeguard U.S. airspace, particularly in light of upcoming major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tasked with expediting approvals for routine commercial drone operations beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS), a critical step expected to unlock new possibilities for infrastructure monitoring, emergency response, and long-distance deliveries of cargo and medical supplies. The FAA must also develop noise certification standards and lift restrictions on supersonic flights over land, enabling faster-than-sound commercial travel within the U.S.
These executive orders also prioritize strengthening the domestic drone manufacturing base by promoting U.S.-made technologies and securing supply chains to reduce dependence on foreign adversaries. The administration aims to streamline regulations and expand market access to boost American competitiveness globally.
Industry players such as Joby Aviation, which plans to begin flight testing in Dubai soon and launch passenger services by late 2025 or early 2026, stand to benefit from this regulatory overhaul. The administration envisions robust public-private partnerships across states, localities, and tribal authorities to accelerate the safe integration of these transformative aviation technologies.
In summary, President Trump’s latest executive actions mark a significant push to unleash American dominance in drone technology, flying cars, and supersonic travel, fostering innovation, economic growth, and enhanced national security in the rapidly evolving aviation landscape.