Utah, led by 47G and UDOT, joins the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program with the uFLY initiative, advancing Advanced Air Mobility across five states to demonstrate electric aircraft for people, cargo, and sustainable transportation.
Salt Lake City, Utah — March 10, 2026
47G | Utah Aerospace and Defense (47G) announced today that the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), in close collaboration with a coalition of public and private partners, has been selected to participate in a national initiative to safely integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies into the national airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Utah as one of eight projects nationwide to participate in the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program.
The project, dubbed uFLY: America’s AAM Crossroads to the West, is a multi-state collaboration led by UDOT in coordination with Oklahoma, Oregon, Idaho, and Arizona. AAM uses electric aircraft to safely transport people and goods, promising a sustainable and efficient addition to existing transportation networks. Utah, the nation’s youngest and fastest-growing state, is well-positioned for these innovations, with 90% of residents living within a 30-minute drive of an airport.
“Utah is leading a new era of aviation that will transform how people and goods move across the country,” said Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G. “Through public-private partnerships and cutting-edge technologies, we aim to attract investment, accelerate infrastructure development, and deploy advanced aircraft that improve quality of life for all Utahns.”
In May 2024, 47G launched Project Alta, an initiative to establish a comprehensive AAM system in the state through the Air Logistics Transportation Alliance (Alta). Since then, the organization has worked with industry partners, federal and state agencies, and research institutions to advance policies, prepare infrastructure, and demonstrate the safety and viability of next-generation aircraft.
Industry leaders are enthusiastic about the project. “Utah’s innovation ecosystem makes it a natural choice for this regional eIPP,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation (Santa Cruz, CA). “We’re excited to demonstrate our technology and introduce the future of flight to communities across the region.”
The western U.S. offers diverse testing conditions, from high-altitude mountain airports to desert climates, wildfire-prone areas, urban centers, and remote rural locations. This environment allows regulators and manufacturers to evaluate aircraft performance in real-world conditions across multiple states.
“Utah has been a collaborative and visionary partner,” said Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of BETA Technologies, headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont. “Last year we conducted demonstration flights across the state, showing how this technology enhances regional connectivity, supports economic growth, and improves critical cargo and medical transport. The eIPP builds on that momentum and sets the foundation for a more connected, electric-powered future.”
The uFLY initiative involves more than 30 public and private partners, including several leading aircraft manufacturers, aviation operators and technology providers. Key industry participants include Alpine Air, Ampaire, ANRA Technologies, BETA Technologies, Future Flight Global, Joby Aviation, Jump Aero, Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company), and Skyway Technologies, many of which are members of 47G.
“Alpine Air provides cost-effective cargo delivery across North America,” said CEO Michael Dancy. “This partnership is a major step in streamlining operations and delivering unprecedented value to our customers.”
47G is the fastest-growing aerospace and defense organization in the U.S., representing an industry that accounts for one-fifth of Utah’s economy, supports hundreds of thousands of high-quality jobs, and generates $100 billion in annual activity. The uFLY initiative positions Utah and its regional partners at the forefront of next-generation aviation, charting the course for the future of flight nationwide.
Learn more at www.47g.org.