North Carolina Hosts eLIFT-NC Aviation Showcase Featuring Electric and Self-Flying Aircraft
Why It MattersState-level pilot programs pairing advanced air mobility developers with governments signal growing efforts to build the regulatory and operational ecosystem needed for electric and autonomous aircraft to scale.
North Carolina officials and transportation leaders gathered at Raleigh Executive Airport on September 23, 2026, to showcase advances in electric and self-flying aircraft at an event headlined by Governor Josh Stein.
Companies including BETA and Joby displayed new aircraft technologies at the showcase. Both are partners in "eLIFT-NC," a state aviation initiative focused on next-generation aircraft that forms part of a pilot program involving seven states and encompassing electric air taxis and autonomous aircraft. The program followed an executive order issued by President Donald Trump aimed at accelerating production of next-generation aircraft.
Jeffrey Vincent of the Federal Aviation Administration said technological development alone is insufficient, stating that maintaining America's leadership in aviation innovation "requires more than developing new aircraft" and also requires "developing the operational ecosystem that allows those technologies to succeed safely." Supporters say the aircraft could deliver critical supplies and medicine more quickly, provide access to remote areas, and support first responders, and Governor Stein was scheduled to become the first governor to fly in one of the aircraft at the event.
