WASHINGTON, Sept 12 (Reuters) - The Trump administration

is announcing a new pilot program on Friday to speed the

deployment of flying air taxis as companies work to meet

regulatory hurdles for advanced air mobility.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the program will

include at least five projects from public-private partnerships

with state and local governments and private sector companies to

enable safe operations for electric vertical takeoff and landing

(eVTOL) aircraft.

Joby Aviation ( JOBY ) praised the program, saying,

"Aircraft in the program can begin operations in select markets

ahead of full FAA certification, a critical step in preparing

for scaled commercial service."