Trevor Milton’s Ambitious Return: Pioneering AI-Powered Aviation with SyberJet
Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola Corporation, is embarking on a bold new venture in the aviation industry. After receiving a presidential pardon in March 2025, Milton has taken the helm at SyberJet Aircraft, a Utah-based company specializing in business jets. His vision is to revolutionize air travel by developing AI-powered planes, aiming to raise $1 billion to fund this ambitious project.
A Controversial Past
Milton’s journey has been marked by both innovation and controversy. In 2022, he was convicted of securities and wire fraud for misleading investors about Nikola’s technological advancements. He was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay substantial restitution. However, in March 2025, President Donald Trump granted him a full pardon, effectively nullifying his prison sentence and financial penalties. This pardon allowed Milton to re-enter the business world without the burden of his previous convictions.
Acquisition of SyberJet Aircraft
In late 2025, Milton acquired SyberJet Aircraft, a company known for its SJ30 business jets. He assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, bringing with him a team of former Nikola employees to spearhead the company’s transformation. Milton’s leadership marks a significant shift for SyberJet, as he aims to integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence into the aviation sector.
The Vision for AI-Powered Aviation
Milton’s primary objective is to develop the SJ36, an all-new light jet designed to be the first and only light jet capable of non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Hawaii or New York City to Los Angeles. The SJ36 is expected to be the fastest light jet ever certified, targeting speeds up to Mach 0.88. This ambitious project builds upon the proven SJ30 platform and aims to outperform competitors in speed, range, altitude, comfort, and avionics. Certification is targeted for 2032, with the SJ36 designed as a single-pilot, nine-seat aircraft that will expand the limits of what operators expect from a light jet.
Challenges and Opportunities
Developing AI-powered aircraft presents numerous challenges, including regulatory hurdles, technological complexities, and significant financial requirements. Milton acknowledges these obstacles, stating that the aviation industry is 10 times harder than Nikola ever was. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the potential of AI to transform air travel, offering enhanced safety, efficiency, and accessibility.
Fundraising Efforts
To bring his vision to fruition, Milton is actively seeking to raise $1 billion in funding. His strategy includes engaging with potential investors from Saudi Arabia and allocating substantial resources toward lobbying efforts. The success of these fundraising initiatives will be crucial in determining the feasibility and timeline of the SJ36 project.
Industry Implications
Milton’s foray into AI-powered aviation has the potential to disrupt the industry significantly. By integrating advanced AI systems into aircraft, SyberJet aims to set new standards for performance and safety in light jets. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for broader adoption of AI technologies in aviation, influencing both commercial and defense sectors.
Conclusion
Trevor Milton’s return to the business world through SyberJet Aircraft represents a bold attempt to redefine aviation. By focusing on AI-powered planes, he seeks to overcome past controversies and contribute to technological advancements in air travel. The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether Milton’s vision can take flight, potentially ushering in a new era of AI-integrated aviation.
