The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) is leading efforts to prepare five local general aviation airports for AAM, in an initiative said to be the first of its kind in the USA. The executive committee unanimously passed a resolution to hire a firm to work with the airports to develop AAM electrical infrastructure plans for their public facilities.

The airports involved in the initiative are Butler County Regional Airport, Cincinnati Municipal Airport/Lunken Field, Clermont County Airport, Miami University Airport and Middletown Regional Airport/Hook Field.

“OKI will manage the selected firm to ensure each airport receives the AAM infrastructure plan they need to serve as a customised blueprint for upgrading their utilities to support electric vehicles and electric aircraft,” says strategic initiatives manager Robyn Bancroft. “With a plan in place, the airports can implement infrastructure improvements. This preparation will help Ohio lead in the innovative transportation sector. Being prepared to accommodate AAM will leverage these existing public resources and position these airports for economic development growth opportunities.”

Bancroft did not find any similar projects during her research for the initiative, which included conversations with private and public partners in AAM at regional, national and international levels. “This suggests that OKI might be the first MPO or public agency to undertake such a forward-thinking initiative,” she adds. “This is a first for OKI and perhaps a first for the nation.”

“AAM technology is developing rapidly, and we must be ready to implement its everyday usage,” adds CEO Mark Policinski. “Rapid transmission of medical supplies, time-sensitive package deliveries and even people are all fascinating possibilities of AAM. OKI will help prepare for a future where AAM will improve the urban, suburban and rural parts of our region.”

Bancroft also manages OKI’s freight plan, and says the projected surge in truck traffic prompted OKI to explore AAM as a potential solution. “OKI's interest in AAM is tied to a forecasted truck volume increase of 46 per cent by 2050,” she explains. “With a mission to increase safety, reduce congestion, improve air quality through decreased fuel consumption and emissions, minimise wear and tear on our roads and support economic competitiveness, OKI sees AAM as a tool to help address these goals.”

Bancroft adds that considerable progress is being made in the AAM field: “This year is anticipated to be a very exciting one. The FAA is expected to issue long-awaited AAM-related certifications that provide private companies the ‘green light’ they require to scale up production of eVTOLs and make an impact on what we will see flying in the next few years.”

A committee of representatives from all five airports, along with OKI and project partner Duke Energy, will review qualified candidates and select the firm to complete the AAM electrical infrastructure plans.