Surface ecosystems such as the phyllosphere host diverse microbial communities, a fraction of which may detach and remain aloft for up to several days. As airborne, bacteria are challenged by high exposure to oxidants and limited nutrients, and we postulate that specific biological trait such as phototrophy may support the maintenance of metabolic functions. Omics data reanalysis indicates the presence of the genetic biomarker of anoxygenic photosynthesis in the atmosphere and clouds. Using an atmospheric simulation chamber, we monitored proxies for viability and metabolic activity in airborne photoheterotrophic aerobic Methylobacterium sp. cells expressing or not photosynthetic capabilities (bacteriochlorophyll). We observe shorter airborne residence time in [Bchl+] cells than in [Bchl-] cells, and higher survival rate and potential for metabolic activity, in particular under light exposure. These results imply that aerial transport is not neutral, and can favor the maintenance and spread of biological traits often considered elsewhere as poorly competitive.