The NBAA applauded the US Senate's introduction of the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernisation Act (AAIM) Act to accelerate the growth of advanced air mobility (AAM).

The bipartisan AAIM Act, introduced by Senators Alex Padilla and Jerry Moran, authorises funding for communities to develop comprehensive plans for critical new AAM infrastructure by leveraging existing general aviation airports and other public transportation facilities to support AAM operations. It also fosters community engagement programmes to introduce the new technologies to a diverse set of communities.

Last December the US House introduced its version of the AAIM Act, HR 6270, led by Transportation & Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee chairman representative Rick Larsen, Ranking Aviation Subcommittee Member Garret Graves and Representative Dina Titus. The bipartisan measure was immediately met with strong support from NBAA and a broad group of stakeholders, including NBAA's AAM Roundtable, a group of high-level sector leaders charting a course for integration of the pioneering technologies into the nation's airspace and infrastructure.

“We thank Senators Padilla and Moran for their significant bipartisan effort to introduce the AAIM Act in the United States Senate, which will set the stage for a thriving AAM industry that has the potential to support more than 300,000 jobs and maintain our leadership role in aviation,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

AAM is poised to revolutionise the way people and cargo move within and between communities, complementing existing transportation networks and creating a sustainable future for aviation. The aircraft use emissions-free electric propulsion, are significantly quieter than traditional aircraft and on track to be certified by the FAA within the next few years.

“Through NBAA's AAM Roundtable, we are leaning into the infrastructure and operational requirements to enable AAM to be a safe, successful and inclusive mode of transportation that positions general aviation and our aerospace workforce for the future,” he adds.

The House version of the AAIM Act advanced through the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee earlier this month and the Senate Commerce Committee is expected to consider the bill in the coming weeks.