The US state of Ohio has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the FAA's Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) that would deploy operational aircraft within three months of approval to solve critical medical transport challenges across a four-state region.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), leading a coalition that includes JobsOhio, eVTOL OEMs Beta Technologies and Joby Aviation, NEOEx, the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) and the states of Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky, is offering the FAA a ready-to-launch programme backed by more than $1.2 billion in existing AAM infrastructure, certified propeller technology and a proven multi-state coordination framework. The proposal directly responds to the eIPP objectives outlined in President Trump's Executive Order 14307, Unleashing American Drone Dominance, by demonstrating how advanced air mobility can deliver immediate operational benefits while establishing scalable standards for national deployment.

“Ohio has the most powerful aviation and aerospace ecosystem in the nation,” states Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Working together, Ohio's proposal will solve a national healthcare challenge by using advanced air mobility technologies to replace inefficient ground and charter transportation with faster, more economical and more reliable routing.”

“JobsOhio's model for cross-sector collaboration has attracted more than $1.2 billion in aerospace investment, landed transformational manufacturing projects like Joby and Anduril, and built the infrastructure that makes Ohio an advanced air mobility powerhouse,” adds JobsOhio president and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “This eIPP proposal showcases how strategic partnerships can deliver essential life-saving healthcare needs and economic benefits while cementing American leadership in the industries of today and tomorrow.”

Ohio's proposal leverages cutting-edge aviation technology to create a faster, smarter and more dependable alternative to ground and charter transport, solving a national challenge with a proven, scalable model. Beta's electric aircraft would deliver routine and just-in-time medical cargo for DHL Supply Chain between Indianapolis, Columbus and Akron.

“Critical medical transport is what our aircraft was built to do,” emphasises Kristen Costello, head of government and regulatory affairs at Beta Technologies. “It increases reliability while lowering costs, which ultimately translates to greater access for important, time-sensitive transport. Over the past few years, we have worked with partners across Ohio and Michigan to begin installing infrastructure and preparing for AAM operations. The eIPP is a huge step forward, showcasing how this technology can expand access and benefit communities.”

“DHL has been at the forefront of exploring advanced air mobility technologies across Europe, Asia and Africa, and we're excited to bring this expertise to the US market,” says Jim Monkmeyer, president of transportation for DHL Supply Chain North America. “By integrating advanced technologies like heavy-duty electric vehicles and autonomous trucking into our operations, and piloting innovations such as manned eVTOL, we are shaping the future of transportation. Coupled with our recent investments in the life sciences and healthcare sector, these advancements underscore our commitment to meeting the urgent and life-saving needs of the healthcare system.”

NEOEx's hydrogen hybrid uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) would make deliveries on shorter regional legs between medical facilities in Ohio and Michigan. Joby will leverage its advanced flight capabilities, including its Superpilot autonomous flight technology, to support long-distance medical transport and work to address the region's most critical, time-sensitive needs.

“Joby is proud to partner with the State of Ohio on its application to leverage our advanced air mobility technology for lifesaving healthcare logistics,” says JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “The national momentum created by the eIPP and global demand for advanced air mobility is exactly why we are doubling our US manufacturing capacity, supported in part by our growing Ohio team, to deliver real-world operations that solve daily transportation challenges for American communities. We thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for their visionary leadership in launching this programme, which ensures that American ingenuity and manufacturing define the next century of flight. This is our moment to show that the future of transportation is being built, certified and operated right here in the United States.”

Ohio will test practical solutions for real-world pain points with this programme, utilising this new aerial technology for high-impact use cases. Often, transport is time-sensitive, which gives these novel aircraft an advantage as they can often take off and land in places traditional aircraft cannot, allowing them to avoid congestion and improve access.

Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky are formally supporting Ohio's eIPP application, underscoring the importance of a coordinated, multi-state approach to AAM. The term ‘AAM’ encompasses a wide range of aircraft with different takeoff and landing styles, propulsion methods, power sources and levels of autonomy. Priority uses of the technology, namely cargo and medical transport, naturally cross state lines, so regional alignment on standards, operations and infrastructure is key to enabling the safe integration of new types of aircraft across the Midwest. In addition to winning the support of significant stakeholders across both the private and public sectors, ODOT has also engaged key airports in all four states, which are eager to incorporate these advanced vehicles into the national airspace system (NAS).

“The Michigan Department of Transportation is proud to expand our existing partnerships with academia and industry to include collaboration and support for ODOT's significant proposal,” states Bradley C. Wieferich, Michigan state transportation director. “Commerce and transportation do not stop at state lines, and it's essential that we engage in this valuable partnership and research.”

Justine Johnson, Michigan chief mobility officer, adds: “This collaboration is crucial as we work together to propel our region to the forefront of developing emerging technologies in transportation. By aligning our efforts, we can drive innovation and foster sustainable mobility solutions in the Midwest.”

“We are eager to continue the collaboration with all partners involved in this multi-state programme, and we look forward to the opportunities presented from the pilot for further data collection, infrastructure readiness and policy development required for scalability,” shares Larry Krauter, chief executive officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International airport.

Ohio's commitment to AAM is unmatched in both scale and strategic vision. Building on its legacy as the ‘Birthplace of Aviation’, the state has long been a national leader in AAM research, development and deployment. It is home to more than 640 aerospace companies and has the third largest manufacturing workforce in the country. Through a combination of public and private investment, robust cross-sector partnerships and a thriving innovation ecosystem, Ohio is laying the groundwork for the next generation of air transportation.

NAAMCE in Springfield, Ohio, is a national leader in advancing the deployment of advanced air mobility technologies, helping bridge the gap between innovation and real-world application. Led by Ohio and anchored by public-private collaboration, NAAMCE brings together industry, federal partners, researchers and local communities to accelerate testing, workforce readiness, infrastructure planning and regulatory coordination for AAM systems. By moving beyond concept and demonstration to operational deployment, NAAMCE positions Ohio as the premier proving ground for AAM where new aviation technologies are not only developed, but safely integrated, scaled and commercialised.

JobsOhio, the state's private nonprofit economic development organisation, has grown Ohio's advanced air mobility sector significantly in recent years, landing Joby's manufacturing facility in 2023 and winning Anduril Industries' manufacturing facility in 2025. Beta Technologies has also installed two chargers across Ohio, four across Michigan and has a partnership with Sinclair Community College to deliver electric aerospace training for the future workforce.

Ohio's investment in AAM is not just aspirational, it's happening at a scale and speed that uniquely position it as the most qualified state to propel the industry to an everyday reality.

If Ohio is selected for the FAA's pilot programme, flight demonstrations would begin within three months of an agreement being put into place, and routine operations would continue for three years.