Forget self-driving cars — self-flying airplanes are on the horizon.

Most commercial aircraft already use autopilot systems for cruising and autoland systems for landing. However, takeoff has remained entirely human-controlled — until now.

Embraer just announced the Embraer Enhanced Takeoff System (E2TS) at the Farnborough International Airshow in the U.K., marking the first automated takeoff system in commercial aviation. Scheduled to debut in late 2025, E2TS is designed for Embraer’s E2 family of aircraft.

E2TS calculates and executes the optimal rotation, lifting the plane’s nose off the runway efficiently. This system reduces the runway length needed for takeoff, essential for airports with short runways, and eases the pilot’s workload during takeoff.

The flag carrier of Poland, LOT Polish Airlines, is one of Embraer’s clients for their planes.

Pilots will still control the takeoff roll, manually correct heading, and keep hands on the yoke to override the system if necessary. While E2TS handles rotation, pilots remain essential for the process.

With E2TS, Embraer jets can fly up to 575 miles farther, expanding their route network and reducing the risk of tail strikes. Currently, E2TS is limited to the E2 family of Embraer jets. While no U.S. airline uses E2 planes, international airlines such as KLM Cityhopper, Azul Brazilian Airlines, and Porter Airlines operate these aircraft.