TLDR
- Tesla is pursuing robotaxi permits at San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland airports to access lucrative ride-hailing market
- Waymo already secured San Jose airport authorization and will launch commercial rides later this year
- Tesla stock trades at $347 with technical support at $340 and resistance at $355
- Airport rides generate $51.7 million annually for San Francisco International Airport alone
- Tesla holds only supervised driving permits, not full autonomous vehicle authorization in California
Tesla stock is consolidating at $347 as the electric vehicle maker pursues permits for robotaxi operations at three major Bay Area airports. The company has initiated discussions with San Francisco International, San Jose Mineta International, and Oakland International airports.
Airport officials confirmed Tesla has made contact through its Public Policy and Business Development team. However, no formal permit applications have been submitted yet.
Tesla currently holds only a Transportation Charter Party permit in California. This allows supervised ride-hailing services with human drivers present but prohibits fully autonomous passenger operations.
The company submitted documentation to the California Public Utilities Commission in July outlining plans for airport “pick-ups/drop-offs.” Full autonomous operations require additional approvals from California’s DMV and CPUC.
Waymo Leads Airport Race
Alphabet’s Waymo maintains a clear advantage in autonomous airport operations. The company has operated fully driverless rides at Phoenix Harbor International Airport since 2022.
Waymo received authorization for San Jose Mineta International Airport on September 4. Testing begins this fall with commercial rides launching later in 2025.
The company also secured roadway mapping permits for San Francisco International Airport in March. Operational permit discussions continue with no set timeline.
Airport ride-hailing represents a lucrative market segment. San Francisco International Airport generated $51.7 million in trip fee revenue from 9.4 million rides during fiscal year 2024.
Uber reports 15% of its mobility bookings involve airport trips. Lyft data shows 61% of riders have used the service for airport transportation.
Stock Technical Analysis
Tesla stock posted an intraday high of $350.50 and low of $343.99 on September 10. The stock gained 0.19% with moderate trading volume.
Technical support appears at $340-$345 while resistance sits at $350-$355. The Relative Strength Index likely remains neutral between 45-55.
A breakout above $355 with volume confirmation could shift sentiment bullish. Failure to hold $340 support may trigger correction toward $330.
Tesla’s U.S. electric vehicle market share declined to 38% in August 2025. This marks the lowest level since 2017, down from over 50% two years prior.
The company continues expanding its supervised ride-hailing pilot program across the Bay Area. Airport access would provide high-visibility testing locations and consistent demand patterns.
Airport partnerships represent strategic value beyond immediate revenue. These locations offer controlled environments for autonomous vehicle testing and public demonstration of Tesla’s robotaxi capabilities.
Tesla’s airport permit pursuit occurs as regulatory approval processes remain complex in California. The company faces competition from established players like Waymo while navigating state autonomous vehicle requirements.
