U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Trump administration debuted the nation's first-ever Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Strategy on Wednesday.
This comes on the heels of efforts to usher in a golden age of travel and to make travel more family friendly.
According to DOT, AAM is "a rapidly-emerging aerospace sector focused on safely and efficiently integrating highly automated aircraft into U.S. airspace."
"AAM is not a single technology but rather a range of innovations—particularly new aircraft types that typically operate below 5,000 feet—to transport people and packages more efficiently than ever before," says DOT. "Beyond aircraft, AAM requires a modern support system, including a skilled workforce, upgraded infrastructure, and clear regulatory frameworks."
The new strategy—which is organized around six key pillars, including airspace, infrastructure, security, community planning and engagement, workforce and automation—features an action plan that outlines as many as 40 recommendations to safely and efficiently support AAM operations moving forward.
The plan focuses on action items across four distinct phases. Referred to as LIFT, the phases are aimed at advancing research, stakeholder engagement, policy development and technical deployment.
- Leverage Existing Programs to Support Innovation and Begin Operations
- Initiate Engagement with Partners, Research and Development, and Smart Planning
- Forge New Policy and Models Responsive to Public Needs
- Transform the Aviation Ecosystem
"Since the Wright brothers first took flight in 1903, America has been at the forefront of aviation innovation. Today, we have a bold strategy to unlock the future of our skies and unleash this next chapter of aviation safely and efficiently,” Duffy said in a statement.
"Advanced air mobility vehicles will benefit the American people—transforming how the flying public travels, how first responders jump into action and communities access healthcare, how businesses deliver goods, and how we defend our nation. I look forward to working together to make this dream a reality."
"Airports are grateful for the leadership of Secretary Duffy, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, in launching the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Strategy and Comprehensive Plan," added Kevin M. Burke, President & CEO of Airports Council International–North America.
"Whether carrying passengers or cargo, eVTOLs and other highly automated aircraft will reshape how people and goods move around America. Airports are eager to engage with the Administration to identify the infrastructure needed to ensure safe and efficient AAM operations, as well as the funding mechanisms to support them. We look forward to playing a central role in advancing the nation’s AAM strategy."
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