News New federal road map sets direction for AAM integration through 2036. Washington, DC (Dec. 17, 2025) — Vertical Aviation International (VAI) today applauds the release of the US Department of Transportation’s Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy, a whole-of-government framework outlining how the United States plans to integrate advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft, including eVTOL and other powered-lift vehicles, into the national transportation system over the next decade. The plan sets federal priorities for airspace, infrastructure, security, workforce development, autonomy, and community engagement, with a clear focus on safety, scalability, and economic competitiveness. “The strategy is an important signal from the US federal government,” says François Lassale, president and CEO of VAI. “It makes clear that the next generation of powered-lift aircraft are not a concept. They are a developing operational reality that requires deliberate and thoughtful integration into the existing aviation system as FAA certification and standards advance.” Earlier today, Lassale joined US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and senior FAA officials to express support for the Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy. In his remarks, Lassale described the strategy as a clear, coordinated roadmap to safely integrate new aviation technologies, strengthen the US workforce and supply chain, and expand access to critical rotorcraft missions and future air services nationwide. “We appreciate this Administration’s leadership in advancing American ingenuity, and we strongly support the National Strategy for Advanced Air Mobility, which provides a clear, coordinated vision for integrating new aviation capabilities safely and responsibly,” Lassale said at the event. The framework envisions a phased approach to AAM aircraft integration. Near-term operations will rely on existing aviation frameworks, including piloted aircraft operating from current airports and heliports. Over time, the federal government anticipates expanded operations, new infrastructure such as vertiports, and increased automation as technologies mature. The strategy highlights several areas directly relevant to VAI members: Airspace: Modernization of low-altitude airspace management, coordinated with ongoing FAA air traffic control upgrades Infrastructure: Use of existing airports and heliports in early phases, with gradual development of vertiports guided by FAA standards Workforce: Recognition that pilots, mechanics, engineers, and safety professionals trained in vertical flight will remain central to AAM operations Safety and security: Application of established FAA and TSA frameworks for initial operations, with future requirements informed by risk-based analysis “Vertical aviation already performs many of the missions policymakers envision for AAM, including emergency response, medical transport, utility support, and operations in complex low-level environments,” Lassale says. “The AAM National Strategy recognizes what rotorcraft operators have long understood. That experience matters.” VAI also notes that the strategy underscores the need for sustained industry engagement as federal agencies translate policy into rulemaking, guidance, and investment decisions. “A strategy sets direction, not outcomes,” Lassale says. “As federal agencies move into implementation of this plan, VAI will work with policymakers and industry to further advance the next generation of vertical aircraft and to allow them to integrate smoothly into the broader aviation system.” AAM Digital Summary AAM Comprehensive Plan 2025 AAM National Strategy 2025
