The Trump Administration Has Granted Benefits to Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation. Who Emerges as the Major Victor?

Archer Aviation vs. Joby Aviation: The Race for Air Taxi Dominance

Imagine Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) and Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) locked in a fierce competition, not on a racetrack, but in the quest to launch a successful air taxi service powered by electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Both companies are undergoing evaluation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), preparing for international launches, and collaborating with major players in aviation, ride-sharing, and artificial intelligence—including Nvidia.

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Recently, both companies received significant support from the Trump administration, but one emerged with a more substantial advantage. Let’s explore how this development could shift the balance.

Image credit: Joby Aviation

The Latest Opportunity

On March 9, coincidentally the same day Archer filed a legal counteraction against Joby, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed that the Department of Transportation and the FAA had chosen eight proposals for the new Advanced Air Mobility and eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).

These eight projects were selected from over 30 submissions by states and local governments nationwide. Some proposals involved collaborations across multiple states, and the winning entries collectively represent 26 states.

Each proposal also named its technology partners. Both Archer and Joby were recognized as contributors to several projects, but one company stood out.

Who Came Out Ahead?

Joby Aviation was the clear frontrunner in the eIPP selection. Here’s why:

Most of the chosen projects included several corporate partners. Both Archer and Joby were listed as collaborators in three major initiatives:

• A Port Authority of New York and New Jersey plan to introduce eVTOL services at the Manhattan heliport and throughout New England.
• A Texas Department of Transportation project to establish air taxi routes connecting Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
• A multi-phase statewide program led by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Image credit: Archer Aviation

While these were the only programs involving Archer, Joby was also named in two additional projects:

• A Utah Department of Transportation initiative to trial advanced aircraft across several western states.
• A North Carolina Department of Transportation plan to develop regional air mobility operations.

Joby’s Advantage

Joby announced that some of its selected projects would utilize its Superpilot autonomous flight technology alongside its eVTOL aircraft.

Although both companies will gain from participating in the eIPP, Joby’s broader involvement gives it a stronger boost. Following the announcement, Joby’s stock rose by 2.9%, while Archer’s declined by 2.2%.

Is Joby Aviation a Good Investment Right Now?

Before considering an investment in Joby Aviation, keep this in mind:

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John Bromels holds shares in Nvidia. The Motley Fool also owns and recommends Nvidia.