DOT Secretary Sean Duffy launched on Wednesday the U.S.’s first advanced air mobility (AAM) national strategy to integrate eVTOL aircraft into the national airspace. The strategy and its action plan include 40 recommendations to safely and efficiently support AAM operations. The DOT states that AMM could provide new levels of mobility and connectivity for the aviation industry, which contributes 4% of the U.S. gross domestic product. The strategy builds on the 2022 Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, which directed the DOT to coordinate federal efforts related to AAM adoption and deployment. It also builds on President Trump’s June Executive Order “Unleashing American Drone Dominance”, which is supposed to enhance U.S. productivity and create high-skilled jobs.
“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,” said Secretary Duffy. “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.”
The DOT states that the focus of the strategy is on six pillars, which include airspace, infrastructure, security, community planning and engagement, workforce, and automation. It claims that the pillars and 40 recommendations are essential for building a strong AAM system.
“These aircraft will bring enormous benefits to the U.S. – more manufacturing, more exports and jobs, greater mobility and an improved ability to access remote locations,” said Matt Byrd, vice chair of NBAA’s Board of Directors and president andamp; CEO of Hillwood Aviation. “We commend the administration for its commitment to AAM, and we look forward to working with government and industry leaders to make this strategic vision a reality.”
The plan follows four phases, which are referred to as LIFT:
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
“Today is a significant day for the Advanced Air Mobility sector,” said James Viola, GAMA president and CEO. “GAMA applauds all the hard and collaborative work from the AAM Interagency Working Group to create and put forth this national strategy. This strategy will ensure that the U.S. will be a global leader in AAM through the sector’s integration into the national airspace system with a focus on adapting and improving infrastructure; strengthening the aviation workforce; adapting and improving infrastructure; expanding security, safety and automation; and furthering community planning and engagement. The growth of the AAM sector will facilitate additional transportation options, create jobs, stimulate economic activity and competitiveness, and foster further advancement in aerospace technology.”
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Archer Aviation announced the same day that it has partnered with multiple cities in California, Texas, Florida, Georgia and New York to submit applications to launch initial air taxi operations under the White House’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The program was established through the same Executive Order and is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric air taxis by creating operational routes. Selections from all applications are expected to be announced in early to mid-2026. Archer founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, was present for the unveiling of the AAM National Strategy.
“We’re past the question of ‘if’ and firmly into ‘when and how,'” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer. “Through our close work with the Administration, DOT, FAA and other federal agencies, we now have the clearest path to market this industry has ever had. The focus now is execution—building, deploying and flying these aircraft here in the United States.”
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