Press Release

For Immediate Release
December 22, 2022

Alexandria, VA —The American Association of Airport Executives’ (AAAE) Airport Consortium on Customer Trust (ACT) Program, comprised of innovative airport leaders and aviation industry experts, is making available new, in-depth analysis examining the operational impact of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) on airports of all sizes and future considerations to fully capitalize on this emerging technology.

The ACT Working Group on AAM includes members from airports and representation from the electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) industry. This new research evaluated airport locations as case studies and addressed airspace, operations, airport land availability, electrical capacity, and lease considerations.

eVTOL manufacturers expect their products to be less expensive to operate than helicopters and have a smaller noise footprint. With demand for these vehicles expected to be high, Fortune 100 companies and major air carriers have placed advance orders for eVTOLS. Airports are analyzing how to prepare for this future technology at scale, working closely with the ACT Program.

“We have put together a detailed analysis on what the future holds for U.S. airports as the AAM industry moves forward,” said Judy Ross A.A.E., assistant director of aviation at San Jose Norman Y. Mineta International Airport. “This research provides the foundation for the introduction of eVTOLs at our airports.”

Max Fenkell, policy and government affairs lead for Joby Aviation, an eVTOL manufacturer, added, "Joby Aviation is pleased to work with AAAE on this critical work, which demonstrates a practical path to integrating eVTOL aircraft into airport environments. Recognizing the unique characteristics of each airport is central to unlocking the significant opportunity offered by Advanced Air Mobility."

“Jviation is honored to partner with AAAE, airports, and eVTOL manufacturers on the ACT AAM Working Group to produce the ACT Advanced Air Mobility White Paper,” said JD Ingram, principal of Jviation, Inc., a Woolpert Company. “We’re confident that our research and use cases will help pave the way for airports to integrate AAM and eVTOL services into their existing transportation infrastructure.”

As the development of the eVTOL market emerges, the ACT AAM Working Group will continue to evaluate use cases, create pilot programs, and assess the operational impact on airports. Additionally, ACT will provide guidance on key considerations for airport operators and others interested in making the promise of AAM a reality, including power infrastructure, safety and security, revenue generation, federal regulations, and space requirements, all of which will evolve as manufacturers and operators go to market.

View the latest research.

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ABOUT ACT: AAAE, with the support of CAG Holdings, LLC (CAG), a Carlyle backed company, created the ACT Program to evaluate and launch – with the backing of substantive industry expert partners – solutions in airports to address the near-, mid-, and long-term needs of the industry. It drives innovation, digitalization, thought leadership, and it helps airports pilot and research practical ways to meet critical needs. The ACT Steering Group, led by airport executives across the United States and Canada, identify and define the working group topics to pilot and study.

ABOUT AAAE: Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world's largest professional organization representing the individuals who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's 9,000 members represent over 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program. aaae.org

CONTACT:
Joel D. Bacon
Executive Vice President, Government and Public Affairs
703.575.2478

Jose Saavedra, C.M., M.E.
Director, Industry Programs
703.578.2517

@ AAAEDelivers