The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) last week outlined for U.S. Senate leaders both the promise of advanced air mobility (AAM), and a plan for supporting policies to help the pioneering technology fully take flight.
In testimony before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen explained the key benefits of AAM, including job creation and economic growth, sustainability, accessibility and national security.
“Advanced air mobility represents a huge milestone in the evolution of on-demand air mobility,” Bolen told the committee. “These next-generation aircraft will provide connections that are not available through our existing aviation infrastructure, allowing us to address challenges with congested metropolitan areas, provide additional relief in the aftermath of natural disasters, increase access for rural and mid-sized communities and link the remote spokes of cargo and supply chain networks.”
Results of a recent Deloitte study highlight the potential economic impact of the AAM market in the U.S. The firm estimates the sector will generate $115 billion annually by 2035 and create more than 280,000 high-paying jobs.
Bolen noted that the leaders guiding NBAA’s recently formed Advanced Air Mobility Roundtable understand the technology’s promise, and are engaged with government stakeholders to make it a reality. The roundtable serves as a forum for original equipment manufacturers and others developing electric vertical takeoff and landing transport vehicles to work with policymakers on decisions regarding airport access, airspace management, local community engagement and other priorities.
Bolen urged lawmakers to prioritize AAM in the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization process. He outlined four key needs to ensure U.S. leadership in AAM implementation, which are:
- Ensure transparency and certainty in the regulatory process, including a commitment to deliver the powered lift Special Federal Aviation Regulation by 2024.
- Develop a national strategy to coordinate AAM integration at the federal, state and local levels to include AAM demonstration cities modeled after the UAS Pilot Program.
- Provide continued investment in aviation infrastructure and other assets that will promote the manufacture, availability and use of these world-leading technologies, as contained in S. 4246, or HR 6270, The Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization (AAIM) Act.
- Preserve congressional oversight of the nation’s aviation system.
“Having congressional oversight of the NAS has always ensured that all stakeholders are represented,” Bolen concluded. “As we introduce new technologies, oversight from Congress will remain critical to ensuring America’s aviation leadership across the world.”
Review Bolen’s full testimony.
