Textron eAviation has become the latest OEM to join NBAA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Roundtable. Established in 2021, the roundtable focuses on maintaining the U.S. position as a global leader in aviation and aerospace, as well as harnessing the full safety, economic, environmental, and national security potential of AAM. Founding members of the group include Archer, Beta Technologies, Hillwood Aviation, Joby Aviation, Lilium, Overair, Supernal, and Wisk.
“In just a few years, NBAA’s AAM Roundtable has proven to be a powerful voice in the development and advancement of these exciting and sustainable technologies,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “We are pleased that Textron eAviation has joined in this effort to advance the safety-driven integration of AAM vehicles and supporting infrastructure into our National Airspace System.”
The NBAA AAM Roundtable claims two key legislative victories on Capitol Hill in 2022: The Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act (S.516) and the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act (AAIM Act). The former established an interagency working group to review and examine factors that will allow the maturation of the AAM ecosystem within the U.S. and develop an AAM national strategy. Meanwhile, the AAIM Act established U.S. Department of Transportation grants to assist state, local, and tribal governments as well as other entities in planning infrastructure to support AAM operations.
Most recently, the AAM Roundtable worked with the bipartisan congressional AAM Caucus and leading authorizers in Congress to advance pro-AAM policies in legislation to reauthorize funding for the FAA. These priorities are reflected in the FAA reauthorization bill, which passed earlier this year.
“We are honored to join NBAA’s Advanced Air Mobility Roundtable and applaud their steadfast advocacy in shaping policies that foster innovation and prioritize safety in aviation,” said Textron eAviation president and CEO Kriya Shortt. “Our collaboration with NBAA and other industry leaders is crucial as we collectively work to develop transformative and sustainable transportation solutions that meet the evolving demands of global mobility.”
Textron eAviation is pursuing a line of sustainable aircraft for AAM, general aviation, cargo, and special-mission roles. The division acquired Pipistrel and Amazilia Aerospace and is also leveraging the product design, certification, manufacturing, and aftermarket expertise across Textron’s businesses to develop AAM vehicles and advance new propulsion technologies such as hydrogen and electric power.