Reliable Robotics is moving a step closer toward transforming regional air cargo operations in the United States as the company prepares to test its autonomous aircraft technology under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), with initial flight operations expected to begin in August 2026.
The milestone was highlighted during a visit by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy to Reliable Robotics’ facilities at Albuquerque International Sunport, where he reviewed the company’s progress in developing remotely operated and autonomous aviation solutions designed to enhance regional connectivity and improve cargo access for underserved communities.
Reliable Robotics, in collaboration with the City of Albuquerque, was selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in March 2026 to participate in the Department of Transportation’s first-of-its-kind Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The initiative aims to evaluate how emerging autonomous aircraft technologies can be safely integrated into the national airspace system while supporting the development of future regulatory frameworks.
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Autonomous Aircraft to Transform Regional Cargo Connectivity
Through the pilot programme, Reliable Robotics will test retrofitted general aviation aircraft equipped with the company’s proprietary autonomous flight systems, including an internally developed radar and advanced safety technologies.
The aircraft are designed to operate as autonomous regional cargo platforms capable of improving the speed, affordability and accessibility of freight services, particularly for smaller communities that often have limited access to traditional air cargo networks.
Secretary Duffy said the programme demonstrates the United States’ commitment to advancing aviation innovation and maintaining leadership in next-generation aerospace technologies.
“By unleashing American innovation, we are transforming the future of how people and goods move. The data generated through this pilot programme will help the FAA develop essential regulations needed to safely integrate autonomous aircraft into the national airspace system.
“Reliable Robotics is at the forefront of this technological advancement, and its focus on improving logistics connections for rural communities has the potential to make cargo transportation faster and more cost-effective,” Duffy said.
Accelerating the Path Towards Commercial Autonomous Flight
Robert Rose, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Reliable Robotics, described the company’s participation in the eIPP as a significant opportunity to advance certification and commercial deployment.
“We are at a pivotal moment in aviation innovation. The commitment from government leaders to advancing new aerospace technologies supports a future where enhanced aircraft autonomy improves safety, increases operational efficiency and expands access to air services.
“Our involvement in the eIPP allows us to accelerate our FAA certification journey and move closer to bringing autonomous regional aviation services into commercial operation,” Rose said.
Reliable Robotics believes that autonomous technology can address some of the most common factors contributing to aviation incidents while creating more efficient and scalable air transport networks.
Strengthening Aerospace Innovation in New Mexico
The initiative also highlights Albuquerque’s growing role as a centre for aerospace innovation and advanced aviation technologies.
Max Gruner, Economic Development Director for the City of Albuquerque, said the partnership with Reliable Robotics through the eIPP positions New Mexico at the forefront of emerging air cargo technologies.
“Albuquerque has a strong history of supporting aerospace innovation. Bringing remotely operated regional cargo aircraft operations to New Mexico through this programme will create new opportunities for our community and improve connectivity for surrounding regions,” Gruner said.
As autonomous aviation technologies continue to evolve, initiatives such as the eIPP are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of air cargo, enabling safer, more efficient and more accessible regional freight networks.
With test operations scheduled to commence in August 2026, Reliable Robotics’ programme represents a significant step toward integrating autonomous aircraft into the commercial aviation ecosystem and redefining the future of regional air cargo transport.
