Integrating advanced air mobility into regional transportation planning
How policy, infrastructure and coordination are shaping local AAM integration
By Sherry Kish and Katie Ott Zehnder | HNTB
Advanced air mobility (AAM) is moving beyond concept and into early implementation. As investment and regulatory process continue, community-level decisions around infrastructure, land use and public engagement are coming into sharper focus.
While federal agencies regulate airspace, municipalities will ultimately determine how AAM takes shape on the ground through decisions on where infrastructure could be located, how it connects to existing transportation networks and how communities understand and respond to this new mode of mobility. In many cases, local leaders will be the first point of contact for residents with questions about safety, noise, land use and overall community impact.
How communities approach policy, planning and coordination today will influence how AAM is incorporated in regional mobility systems over time.
Aligning policy, planning and infrastructure
As AAM advances, municipalities and regional agencies are beginning to address how it fits within existing planning and policy environments. While approaches will vary by region, several areas are emerging as central to integration.
Establish policy and governance frameworks: Decisions related to land use, zoning, permitting and interagency coordination, such as how vertiports can align with existing development patterns, will influence where and how infrastructure can be developed. Effective policy frameworks accommodate current conditions while enabling future growth and innovation.
Many communities are exploring how to align AAM with existing planning processes, while also establishing working groups or governance structures that bring together transportation, aviation, public safety and economic development stakeholders. These efforts help clarify roles, streamline decision-making and ensure that AAM considerations are integrated into broader regional strategies.
Plan for infrastructure and energy needs: AAM infrastructure extends well beyond landing areas. Depending on the use case, facilities may require access to significant electrical capacity, charging systems, communications networks and utilities.
Planning for these needs requires coordination across utilities, airports and local agencies, as well as an understanding of how AAM infrastructure can complement existing assets such as general aviation airports and heliports. A phased approach, starting with locations that support early operations while maintaining flexibility as standards and technologies evolve, can help manage uncertainty.
Build public understanding and trust: Public acceptance will significantly influence how quickly and effectively AAM is adopted. While the technology continues to advance, it remains unfamiliar to many residents.
Local governments are uniquely positioned to lead communication efforts, helping communities understand how AAM works, what benefits it can provide and how safety and noise considerations are being addressed. Early, transparent engagement can help shape perceptions and build confidence, particularly when paired with real-world demonstrations or pilot programs.
Coordinate across partners and stakeholders: The implementation of AAM introduces a complex ecosystem of stakeholders, including manufacturers, operators, airports, utilities, state agencies and federal partners. Municipalities often serve as conveners, bringing these groups together to align priorities and coordinate implementation.
This coordination is especially important as regions consider how AAM integrates with existing transportation systems and land use patterns. Strong partnerships can accelerate alignment and create a clearer path from initial pilots to scaled operations.
How AAM can deliver for municipalities
Municipalities that successfully integrate AAM into their regional transportation plans could realize several applications that address clear public needs and deliver value.
- Medical and emergency services represent one of the most immediate opportunities. The ability to transport blood, organs, medical supplies or specialized personnel quickly and directly can enhance response times and expand access to care, particularly in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
- Freight and cargo delivery is another early application, especially for time-sensitive or high-value shipments. In regions where traditional ground transportation faces congestion or geographic constraints, AAM offers a way to move goods more efficiently while reducing strain on existing networks.
- Air Taxis are also gaining attention as a way to connect cities, suburbs and rural communities. By linking general aviation airports and other facilities, AAM could provide new options for short-distance travel, helping to address gaps in connectivity while supporting broader economic activity including large events and entertainment.
These early use cases can inform infrastructure, partnerships and investment decisions, while giving communities a tangible way to build public familiarity and understanding as technology evolves. In each case, outcomes will be defined by how these applications are incorporated into existing transportation networks, not by the technology alone.
Integrate mobility in your community
AAM has reached a point where technological progress is converging with policy, investment and real-world application. As a result, the conversation is shifting from possibility to integration and from aviation innovation to community impact.
For municipalities, this represents an opportunity to incorporate AAM as part of broader transportation systems planning, rather than as a standalone innovation. Decisions made today will shape everything from infrastructure investment to public perception and long-term mobility outcomes.
A proactive, coordinated approach can help ensure that AAM evolves as an extension of existing transportation systems, supporting stronger transportation networks for the communities that depend on them.
Sherry Kish
Katie Zehnder