Southeast Ohio airports plan for Advanced Air Mobility aircraft

Regional airports in Southeast Ohio are gearing up for a new type of aircraft called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). This innovative technology could change how people and cargo are transported. The AAM aircraft are expected to be highly automated, electrically powered, and capable of taking off and landing vertically. They can be used for various purposes, including passenger transport, cargo delivery, firefighting, and search and rescue operations. Five airports in the Tri-State area are collaborating to prepare for AAM. These include Butler County Regional Airport, Cincinnati Municipal Airport (Lunken Field), Clermont County Airport, Miami University Airport, and Middletown Regional Airport. The OKI Regional Council of Governments is leading this effort to develop a custom infrastructure plan for each airport. One main application for the new aircraft is package distribution. They could replace traditional delivery vans and trucks in transporting packages from large hubs to smaller locations. Robyn Bancroft from OKI mentioned that this would streamline regional deliveries. The airports are also looking into what utilities and charging systems will be needed for the AAM aircraft. Lunken Field's Division Manager, Jaime Edrosa, noted that there are limited available spots for development but is optimistic about finding a solution for the necessary charging systems to ensure compatibility across different aircraft. Safety and compliance with regulations remain important considerations, according to the FAA. They are currently developing rules for AAM but have not yet approved regular service flights. By the end of this year, OKI plans to complete its study for each airport and is reviewing applications from contractors to assist in this initiative.