The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation and the Georgia Department of Transportation have worked together to explore the creation of the USA’s first interstate advanced air mobility (AAM) corridor.

The plan is to connect Charlotte and Atlanta via a dedicated route for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems, acting as a real-world testbed for next-generation air mobility. It aims to ease congestion, shorten travel times and boost regional economic growth.

“This corridor is a launchpad for innovation,” says Nick Short, director at 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.”

The Charlotte–Atlanta corridor will use coordinated flight paths and advanced navigation systems to improve safety for traditional and next-generation aircraft. The project also involves coordination with South Carolina to integrate regional airspace and explore future connectivity, particularly near general aviation airports and cities such as Greenville.

The collaboration represents a joint investment in infrastructure, planning and policies to speed up AAM development, encourage cooperation between public and private partners and ensure fair access to emerging transport options.