Congress supports innovation in advanced air mobility

In the United States, there is a growing focus on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a collection of innovative aircraft technologies aimed at reinvigorating the aviation industry. Over 120 years since the Wright Brothers' first flight, Congress has recognized the potential of AAM to revolutionize how we perceive and utilize air travel. In 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services began a pilot program testing AAM applications for the delivery of medical supplies to rural areas along the East and Gulf Coasts. This program exemplifies how AAM can address urgent societal needs, paving the way for future implementations. Beta Technologies, a company founded eight years ago, has emerged as a leader in this field, with a workforce of over 800 people at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South Burlington, Vermont. The company has developed an initial prototype and plans to manufacture up to 300 aircraft annually. Simultaneously, it is constructing an extensive network of charging infrastructure to support the operation of its aircraft, which includes electric vehicles, thereby facilitating a transition to more sustainable aviation. Another notable player in AAM is Joby Aviation, headquartered in California, which is also expanding its production capabilities in Ohio to meet the rising demand. The federal government has taken concrete steps to ensure the approval and integration of AAM into the national airspace system. An international collaboration recently announced by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy aims to enable the safe rollout of AAM aircraft in the U.S., further showcasing the country's commitment to becoming a global leader in aviation innovation. The formation of partnerships, such as those in North Carolina and Georgia to explore an interstate AAM corridor, illustrates a proactive approach to creating a comprehensive and integrated air mobility system that would include both urban and rural communities. To facilitate this ambitious initiative, Congress is introducing the bipartisan Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act. This legislation aims to streamline the certification process for AAM technologies by setting clear timelines for approval at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This measure is essential for ensuring that U.S.-based innovators can compete effectively in a rapidly evolving aerospace landscape, allowing them to bring their groundbreaking technologies to market more swiftly. Implementing a reliable certification timeline could significantly impact the future of air transportation, making it more efficient, reducing operational costs, and connecting the most rural communities to the global economy.