Since 1903, the United States has been leading aviation innovation. From early aircraft engineering to refining safety standards and recruiting the leading talent, our country’s position in the industry has taken us around the world, to the moon, and the pinnacle of national security and defense.

The latest era of aviation is emerging with the evolution of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Once again, the U.S. is leading the charge in assuring the path for AAM by bringing aviation technologies and benefits to people and goods in unprecedented ways.

Here’s a closer look at AAM and its future in the next era of economy, security, and prosperity.

Advanced Air Mobility: Reaching New Heights in Aviation

Deloitte has praised Advanced Air Mobility as the “next disruption in aerospace.” A recent Deloitte report on AAM notes that it was just decades ago that we could fly from coast to coast in just over a day. Today, that same path takes less than five hours.

Technology and innovation play an enmorious part in shaping the way we live, work, and travel, whether on the ground or in the air. AAM is the new up-and-coming transformation – using aviation technology to improve and decrease the cost of the way people and goods are transported, both in urban and rural environments.

AAM could take a number of forms and functions. For instance, it might be connecting rural populations to larger urban centers. Or, it might be providing a new form of passenger travel within the same city. Restoring “goods” with “people” in each of these cases provides endless benefits.

As stated by Deloitte, AAM technology uses electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that are runway dependent, short-range, and largely automated. Complex transmissions and mechanics are replaced with simplified electronic controls and electric motors, which also reduces manufacturing costs, maintenance, and operational overhead.

What AAM Can Contribute to the U.S. Economy and Security

AAM technology has started the development process via startups and traditional players in the A&D industry. It’s estimated that technologies will be ready for a full rollout by the 2030s and bring $115 billion and 280,000 high-paying jobs to the U.S. economy by 2035.

Recently, industry leaders and experts are reviewing three applications for AAM technology: passenger mobility, cargo mobility, and government-driven defense.

On-demand and scheduled passenger transport within cities or from rural areas to more populous areas can streamline travel, boost tourism, and create access to goods not available locally.

With online ordering and the need for reliable logistics expanding, AAM for cargo may provide more transportation options and services within and between communities, including last-mile package delivery.

Both of these applications generate significant growth and benefits to the economy in connection with creating jobs and access to goods and services.

From a defense position, military and civilian governments may also benefit from AAM’s fast, reliable, on-demand service. It’s being reviewed as a possible expansion for public health and safety and security risks.

What will it take to bring AAM to a national, and perhaps later a global, standard? Stay tuned for our upcoming article on how the U.S. can lead the AAM race by developing a sustainable leadership role.