DOTD selected to participate in new federal aviation pilot program
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 10:33:27 AM
BATON ROUGE, LA – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that it has been selected to participate in a new federal pilot program designed to help safely introduce next-generation aircraft into communities across the country.
Led by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the program will test and evaluate emerging aircraft technologies, including electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, sometimes described as “air taxis,” as well as other advanced aviation systems. The goal is to ensure these new technologies are introduced safely, responsibly, and in a way that benefits the public.
DOTD’s proposal, LIFTOff Louisiana, received support from Governor Jeff Landry, state lawmakers, and Louisiana’s congressional delegation, reflecting broad statewide support for safe and innovative aviation. While the proposal outlines initial operations that are concentrated at Houma-Terrebonne Airport, the program extends across the entire state and is anchored in a comprehensive public-private partnership to deliver real-world data and operational experience to the FAA's pilot program.
“This announcement is yet another example of Louisiana continuing to set the standard. As aviation and technology are continuing to adapt, we want Louisiana to be the leader in innovation,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “I am excited for all the opportunities LIFTOff Louisiana has to offer, as well as the future it will help pave for aviation in our state.”
“This program gives Louisiana an opportunity to be at the forefront of aviation innovation while keeping safety as our top priority,” said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. “Our participation will improve mobility, support economic development, and benefit communities across our state.”
"LIFTOff Louisiana marks a significant advancement for aeronautics in Louisiana, enabling the safe integration of new technologies into the National Airspace System,” said Andrew T. Kilshaw, commissioner of DOTD’s Office of Multimodal Commerce. “This initiative not only strengthens Louisiana's leadership in aviation but also enhances connectivity across our multimodal transportation network, strengthening the link between air operations and other modes to support efficient commerce, emergency response, and economic development statewide."
“What an exciting time to be a part of the selection representing LIFTOff Louisiana and the advanced air mobility future,” said Edwin J. Jarvis, executive director of the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission. “Allowing us to collaborate with industry leaders and innovators increases visibility and recognition within the aviation community and helps the FAA, through our public-private partnership, support Louisiana as well.”
“This moment reflects years of partnership, vision, and belief in what Louisiana can achieve,” said Andrea Dupre, deputy director of the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission. “Being selected for this program confirms that our state isn’t just participating in the future of aviation — we’re helping shape it. And while we shape it, we are creating opportunities for the next generation here in Houma and across the region.”
Under the pilot program, state and local governments may partner with private companies to demonstrate real-world operations, including passenger transportation, cargo delivery, emergency response support, and other public-service uses. Projects must operate under FAA safety oversight and share operational data, including information related to safety, noise, environmental effects, and community impacts.
Through the program, DOTD and its partners may:
- Test emerging aircraft technologies in controlled environments.
- Share safety and operational data with federal regulators.
- Evaluate noise, environmental, and community impacts.
- Help inform future national aviation policy.
The federal government will not provide funding through the program. Each participant is responsible for covering its own costs, while the FAA will provide oversight, coordination, and technical guidance.
Additional coordination and formal program agreements are expected as the pilot program moves forward.
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