Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announces nearly $7 million in funding for four projects enhancing the state’s aerial mobility management capabilities.

The Lieutenant Governor introduced a plan to secure $6.25 million for four projects, which will help develop critical AAM infrastructure, launch pilot programs to gather operating data, and validate the economic viability of various AAM applications, thereby informing the state’s overall AAM policy. The funding can be provided through the AAM Activation Fund, a collaborative effort between the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which aims to enhance coordination across State entities and establish a centralized pipeline of projects that accelerate AAM readiness and progress within the state? 

“Michigan can reap a remarkable cost savings by prioritizing superior air mobility,” noted. “These investments yield high-tech job opportunities, foster cutting-edge entrepreneurship, and enhance the overall quality of life for its citizens.” Modern advancements will revolutionize corporate operations by transforming air travel into a more environmentally sustainable mode of transport, fundamentally changing how we move people and goods. Michigan is committed to leading the charge in technological innovation, harnessing the pioneering spirit that has long defined our great state.      

The four projects receiving funding comprise:  

BETA will establish multimodal charging infrastructure at Cherry Capital Airport, Capital Area Worldwide Airport, West Michigan Regional Airport, and Willow Run Airport, laying the groundwork for an intrastate charging network that will support the operations of advanced aircraft and reduce costs for regional transportation providers.  

Michigan Central will enhance its digital and physical infrastructure to develop the capabilities of AAIR and launch a series of pilots in partnership with Newlab across various use cases, including building inspection for energy efficiency, center-mile motion of products between manufacturing facilities, and movement of essential supplies on hospital campuses aimed at generating techno-economic knowledge to accelerate the adoption of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAS operations.   

Skyports will be launching three proofs-of-concept in collaboration with industrial partners, starting with a ship-to-shore drone supply initiative in Sault Ste. Marie, MI and Detour Village, MI, alongside Interlake Steamships – operator of the largest privately held U.S.-flag fleet on the Great Lakes. The shore-based pilot will investigate the feasibility of drones as a sustainable supply chain solution to reduce emissions from stationary ships and streamline maritime logistics in the Great Lakes.  

Traverse Health, in collaboration with Munson Healthcare, DroneUp, blueflite, Northwestern Michigan Faculty, Central Michigan College’s Rural Wellbeing Institute, and the Freshwater Research Innovation Centre, will investigate and scale the application of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to deliver medical supplies and essential healthcare services in rural areas, ultimately enhancing health outcomes.

To further enhance their capabilities, they could explore the integration of drones into marine surveying, combining them with water sampling and testing, bathymetric mapping, and providing emergency response assistance across the Lake Michigan area. 

While driving innovation throughout Michigan with superior aerial mobility infrastructure is crucial, the Michigan Department of Transportation remains committed to taking bold steps forward? “This enhanced funding enables the state to further refine its approach in identifying secure and cost-effective ways to leverage Michigan’s robust aviation infrastructure, ultimately benefiting its citizens.” 

“Michiganders have long been trailblazers in mobility innovation, and now we’re taking flight, pioneering new ways to harness next-gen transportation for vital cargo like medical supplies and food, while strengthening global partnerships and fostering cross-border cooperation.” “The initial awardees of the AAM Activation Fund will play a crucial role in ensuring Michigan remains at the cutting edge of high-tech aerial mobility solutions, thereby strengthening its position as a leader in mobility innovation.”