The short version
- Víctor Parés will convene a public hearing to review progress toward Puerto Rico joining the FAA's Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program, El Vocero reported
- The initiative evaluates integration of Advanced Air Mobility vehicles, known as electric air taxis, into the island's transportation system, according to Metro Puerto Rico
- Parés cited Florida's acceptance into the program and projected capital investment exceeding $2 billion in its first six months, both outlets reported
- He is the author of House Resolution 607 calling for a study on Aerostar Holdings LLC's actions to accommodate AAM at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
Hearing to assess FAA pilot program
The president of the House Government Commission, Víctor Parés, announced he will call a public hearing to examine advances and efforts to integrate Puerto Rico into the Federal Aviation Administration's Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program. El Vocero reported The hearing aims to evaluate conditions for incorporating Advanced Air Mobility vehicles, commonly known as electric air taxis, into the island's transportation system. The announcement follows Florida's acceptance into the FAA pilot program, which includes technology demonstrations, designation of operating zones and airport modifications for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
Parés, representative for San Juan's District 4, stated that Puerto Rico has the capacity to become the only island in the Caribbean operating these vehicles. He added that the hearing will be scheduled as soon as possible to learn the status of processes for the island to enter the pilot program. Both El Vocero and Metro Puerto Rico reported the comments on Sunday, Nov. 8.
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Puerto Rico tiene la capacidad de convertirse en la única isla en el Caribe operando estos vehículos aéreos. El momento de actuar es ahora...
Our translation: Puerto Rico has the capacity to become the only island in the Caribbean operating these aerial vehicles. The time to act is now...
The source's own statement, as quoted by El Vocero. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Florida investment and local resolution
According to Parés, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reported that the state expects a capital investment of more than $2 billion during the first six months of the program. He also noted that Polk County is developing a network of takeoff and landing zones for the aircraft. Parés described the technology as important for Puerto Rico and said the island could be a leader if it acts quickly. He indicated that Rep. José 'Cheito' Hernández has also worked on the issue and that his contributions will be included in the discussion to create a plan to take advantage of the technology, El Vocero reported.
Parés is the author of House Resolution 607, which proposes a study on actions by Aerostar Holdings LLC, the operator of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, to evaluate incorporation of AAM into its facilities. He said the measure arose after his participation in the 2026 International Tourism Fair in Spain and is part of legislative proposals on airport infrastructure and tourism development. The legislator added that the airport is the main aviation facility in the Caribbean and should be prepared to operate the new electric air taxis already in use in Spain and other European countries. Metro Puerto Rico reported similar details.
Program details and European examples
The Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program establishes parameters to evaluate safe operation of AAM, including designated zones and integration into airspace. The initiative is scheduled to begin in April in several states and territories, according to both outlets. In Europe, airports such as Heathrow in London, Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Madrid-Barajas in Spain and Rome-Fiumicino in Italy have begun evaluations of spaces for eventual incorporation of this type of aircraft, El Vocero reported.
Where the sources differ
The two El Vocero articles and the Metro Puerto Rico report largely agree on all key facts, including Parés' announcement of a public hearing, the FAA pilot program details, Florida's participation and projected $2 billion investment, House Resolution 607, and European airport examples. Minor wording differences exist, such as Metro Puerto Rico describing the AAM technology as "the most important revolution in aerial transportation since the invention of the airplane," a characterization not present in El Vocero. Both outlets attribute all statements directly to Parés and report the news on the same day.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify the exact date or location of the planned public hearing, whether any federal or local agencies have already taken steps toward Puerto Rico's participation in the FAA program, the projected timeline or costs for Puerto Rico, or any response from Aerostar Holdings LLC or the governor's office. They also do not indicate if the resolution has been approved or what the study would cost.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Buscan impulsar en Puerto Rico el uso de taxis aéreos eléctricos
- Reporting Buscan traer taxis aéreos eléctricos a la isla
How we checked this
El Vocero and Metro Puerto Rico both reported on Víctor Parés' announcement and House Resolution 607. All details on the FAA program, Florida's involvement, investment figures and European examples rest on statements attributed to Parés in these outlets.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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