Texas skies could be filled with air taxis by 2029. That is the promise behind Project Nexus, a pilot program that took its first public demonstration Thursday at Fort Worth Alliance.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, and Texas Department of Transportation officials gathered at the airport to mark the launch of a statewide trial that could make self-piloted planes and vertical take-off-and-landing aircraft a permanent part of the state’s airspace.
The demonstration was the first of its kind in Texas under the Nexus program, which has now spread to six states.
The Launch Site
Fort Worth Alliance served as the starting point for the Texas pilot. The airport hosted the event, which brought together federal and state officials to watch the first public test of next-generation aircraft.
The program aims to establish a framework for commercial operations of new air vehicles, including air taxis, self-piloted planes, and VTOL aircraft.
Who Showed Up
Duffy represented the federal government. Cruz brought the senatorial perspective. Texas Department of Transportation officials rounded out the group.
Together, they witnessed the first public demonstration of next-generation aircraft under the Nexus program in Texas.
What Is Project Nexus
The Nexus pilot program is a joint effort between federal transportation authorities and state transportation departments. Texas is the sixth state to join the program.
The program’s stated goal is to establish a framework for commercial operations of new air vehicles, including air taxis, self-piloted planes, and VTOL aircraft.
The Aircraft on Display
The demonstration featured next-generation aircraft. The exact models were not specified in the announcement.
The Timeline
The program is still in its pilot phase. The first public demonstration has set the stage for further testing.
The 2029 target remains the stated goal for the program’s full rollout.
Comparing the States
| State | Order in Program |
|---|---|
| Texas | Sixth |
| Others | Earlier |
What Comes Next
The program will continue to test aircraft in real-world conditions. Officials will evaluate safety and performance.
If successful, the program could lead to permanent operations of air taxis and other new aircraft across Texas.
The first public demonstration has set the stage for further testing.
Key Facts
- First public demonstration: Thursday, Sept. 10, at Fort Worth Alliance
- State joining: Texas, the sixth state in the program
- Program: Project Nexus pilot program
- Officials present: Sean Duffy, Ted Cruz, Texas Department of Transportation
- Target year for rollout: 2029
The key question is whether the technology can move from demonstration to routine operation. The 2029 target is ambitious, and the program has only just begun.
See the a run of 20 images at Abc13.
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