The NBAA has welcomed the creation of the bipartisan Congressional Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Caucus, which will help educate members about this emerging technology.

Powered by electric or hybrid propulsion, AAM offers significant potential to improve mobility and complement existing public transportation networks while reducing congestion and carbon and noise emissions.

The co-chairs of the new caucus are representatives Jay Obernolte and Jimmy Panetta. Obernolte is a licensed airline transport pilot and certified flight instructor, while Panetta is a member of the House Ways & Means Committee working on ideas to address AAM charging stations. Representatives Garret Graves and Dina Titus also were instrumental in creating the caucus.

The House of Representatives recently passed the NBAA-supported Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernisation Act (AAIM Act) that authorises funding to plan for and eventually build new AAM infrastructure by leveraging existing vertiports and other public transportation facilities to support AAM operations, and fosters community engagement programmes to introduce the latest technologies to a diverse set of communities.

Similar legislation that authorises AAM planning grants was recently approved by the Senate Commerce Committee.

The House bill results from advocacy efforts led by NBAA with the support of a broad group of aviation stakeholders to underscore the importance of beginning AAM planning and construction to fully leverage the technology. The effort has been largely driven through the NBAA AAM Roundtable, a group established for high-level sector leaders to chart a course for integrating AAM technologies into the nation's airspace and infrastructure.

AAM aircraft are on track to receive FAA certification in the next few years. This industry could create hundreds of thousands of high-skilled jobs in manufacturing, design and infrastructure by 2040.

“Advanced air mobility has the potential to combine the benefits of fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, small general aviation aircraft and intercontinental business jets,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “It allows the US the opportunity to lead on this emerging technology, which is why it's essential that Congress plays a role to ensure we are competitive with other world leaders in this space. NBAA commends representatives Obernolte and Panetta for recognising this need by forming the AAM Caucus.

“NBAA looks forward to engaging with the caucus on AAM technology, which will help connect with communities that have been left behind by existing transit systems,” adds Bolen.