Advancing Air Mobility: Springfield Hosts National AAM Industry Forum
Posted Aug 23, 2024
This week, Springfield, Ohio, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation by hosting the National Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Industry Forum at Clark State College. This event brings together leaders from the aviation industry to discuss groundbreaking advancements that could transform how we travel and transport goods.
Why This Matters:
Advanced Air Mobility represents the next giant leap in moving people and goods. Imagine a world where electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft can whisk you across the state or city in minutes, reducing traffic congestion and cutting carbon emissions. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the future that companies like Joby Aviation are making a reality today.
“The opportunities over the next decade are huge,” said Greg Bowles, head of government and regulatory affairs for Joby Aviation, during the forum. Joby Aviation’s recent announcement to invest up to $500 million in a production facility near Dayton underscores the region’s emerging leadership in this innovative field (dayton-daily-news).
Springfield: The New Aviation Hub?
Hosting this forum positions Springfield as a potential powerhouse in the AAM sector. The opportunities are immense. As the AAM industry takes off, Springfield could become a magnet for new sectors, bringing high-tech jobs, research partnerships, and infrastructure investments to our doorstep.
“This is accessible because it’s a vertical take-off and landing aircraft,” explained Josh Lane, test director, and operations site manager for MTSI, during a demonstration of the Black Fly eVTOL. Lane highlighted the potential for these aircraft in logistics, medical supply deliveries, and other critical areas (dayton-daily-news).
Global Impact, Local Roots
The ideas and collaborations forming at Clark State College this week aren’t just important—they’re groundbreaking. As we push the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation, we’re also setting the stage for a global shift in how people and goods move. This event enhances Springfield’s chance to be at the forefront of a revolution that could change the world.
“The aerospace of the future is going to look different,” noted Robert Pearce, associate administrator at NASA, highlighting the potential of zero-emissions flight technology being developed and tested in our region (springfield-news-sun).
The Future Starts Now
The National Advanced Air Mobility Industry Forum isn’t just an event; it’s the start of something much bigger. By embracing this opportunity, Springfield can help shape the future of transportation, ensuring our community plays a key role in this global transformation.