U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has toured Reliable Robotics at Albuquerque International Sunport to see how this American innovator is unlocking the future of flight. Along with the City of Albuquerque, Reliable Robotics was selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in March to participate in the Department’s Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).
This first of its kind pilot program allows Reliable Robotics to test its autonomous regional cargo aircraft and explore the benefits this type of service could provide to rural communities. The company’s retrofitted general aviation planes—with proprietary autonomous safety technology, including a Reliable-built radar—are expected to begin test operations in August 2026.
Under President Trump, the future of flight is right around the corner. By unleashing American innovation, we are revolutionizing how people and products move. The data from this pilot program will help the FAA finalize essential regulations and safely integrate this technology into the airspace,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “I want to thank Reliable Robotics for being at the cutting edge of aviation innovation and for their focus on serving small, rural communities. Once operational, their company will help us transport products faster and more affordably.”
“We’re at an incredibly exciting time in aviation. Secretary Duffy and the entire administration are committed to building national competitiveness through aviation innovation that will enhance safety and connect more communities with air service,” said Reliable Robotics CEO and co-founder Robert Rose. “Reliable’s participation in the eIPP allows us to leverage this moment by accelerating our FAA certification progress and direct path to commercialization. Safety-enhancing aircraft autonomy will prevent the most common causes of aviation accidents, improve operational efficiency and bring a new generation of connectivity and access.”
“Albuquerque has long been a launchpad for innovative aerospace technologies. Partnering with Reliable Robotics through the eIPP to bring remotely-piloted regional air cargo operations to New Mexico will bring benefits to our community and those nearby,” said City of Albuquerque Economic Development Director Max Gruner.
During his visit, Secretary Duffy also highlighted the $26 million investment to modernize the air traffic control system at ABQ. Through August 2028, the airport will replace copper telco with fiber, install new voice switches, radars and radios, switch from paper flight strips to electronic ones, and deploy a state-of-the-art training simulator.
The original announcement can be found here.
