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Flying Taxi Stocks Surge Into Focus after Trump Order – Is JOBY or ACHR the Better Buy?
Shares of flying taxi makers got a boost this month after President Trump signed an executive order to speed up the certification process for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs). The move aims to help the U.S. lead in this technology and opens the door for companies like Joby Aviation (JOBY) and Archer Aviation (ACHR) to bring their aircraft to market more quickly. An accelerated approval will no doubt enhance both stocks' reputation and their market position.
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The order directs the FAA to fast-track approvals and set up pilot programs for real-world use cases like cargo transport and emergency medical flights. It also includes a global certification plan with Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Archer and Joby Are in Prime Position
Both Joby and Archer are already working with the U.S. Air Force through the Agility Prime program. Joby has $131 million in military contracts, and Archer has up to $142 million. These contracts not only generate revenue but also validate the technology in real operational settings.
Beta Technologies, another player in the space, has completed thousands of takeoffs and landings with the military and reports a strong dispatch rate. Its CEO said the company has visited around 10 bases and secured hundreds of millions of dollars in defense funding.
While eVTOLs are often associated with urban air taxis, the first use cases are likely to be in defense, healthcare, and cargo. These areas are less sensitive to pricing and more focused on reliability, which plays to the strengths of early eVTOL platforms.
Both Main Street Data's charts below show the slight differences between the two companies. Archer's income statement shows limited revenue and steady losses, suggesting Archer is still in early development. Joby's chart, by contrast, shows some revenue spikes and variable losses, pointing to early-stage operations and partial monetization, likely from defense or pilot programs.
What's Next for Both Companies
Joby and Archer could also qualify for the new federal pilot programs. Both companies have logged test flights and are well into the FAA's certification process. That gives them a head start over newer or less capitalized competitors. With clear government support, a path to commercialization, and proven military partnerships, JOBY and ACHR stand out. Investors are closely watching as the sector transitions from concept to execution.
Flying taxis are still in their early stages, but the timeline has just gotten shorter. Investors looking at advanced air mobility now have a clearer idea of which companies could be first to generate real revenue.
