The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation and Georgia Department of Transportation are joining forces to study the creation of the nation’s first interstate advanced air mobility (AAM) corridor to improve air mobility.
This innovative initiative, the nation’s first interstate advanced air mobility corridor, will aim to connect Charlotte and Atlanta via a dedicated air route for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems.
By linking two of the Southeast’s most dynamic metropolitan areas, the corridor will serve as a real-world testbed for next-generation air mobility, demonstrating its potential to reduce congestion, improve travel times and support regional economic growth.
“This corridor is a launchpad for innovation,” said Nick Short, director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation. “It will transform how we connect people, move critical freight and strengthen links between our communities — all while advancing smarter, cleaner and more sustainable transportation systems.”
By establishing coordinated flight paths and leveraging advanced navigation systems, the Charlotte–Atlanta corridor will enhance safety for both traditional and next-generation aircraft. As the first of its kind in the nation, it sets a precedent for future interstate AAM networks across the United States.
The project team is also coordinating with South Carolina to ensure regional airspace integration and identify opportunities for future connectivity. Particularly around general aviation airports and key urban centers such as Greenville.
This partnership reflects a joint investment in the infrastructure, planning and policies needed to accelerate the development of advanced air mobility across the region. Key goals of the project include:
- Accelerating the safe deployment of AAM technologies
- Fostering collaboration between states and other public and private partners
- Ensuring equitable access to next-generation transportation
This corridor marks a significant step forward in modernizing regional mobility and demonstrates the Southeast’s leadership in building safe, efficient and inclusive transportation systems that meet the needs of growing communities, now and into the future.
