Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a transformative technology that has the potential to dramatically expand mobility options for all Americans and bring more equity to the country’s transportation system. However, for Diana Marina Cooper, head of U.S. policy at the Urban Air Mobility Division of Hyundai Motor Group, these benefits can only be universally available if the federal government embraces policies that provide consistency to infrastructure development across all communities.
“New modes of transportation are only successful when they are integrated into existing transport networks. With proper planning, AAM can be a catalyst for equity, accessibility, sustainability and economic opportunity. Legacy transportation networks have left many residents behind. Federal funding for infrastructure is needed to ensure AAM can reach the communities that need it most,” said Cooper.
“We now need the government to create a uniform framework for how cities can integrate AAM so that we avoid patchwork regulation at the local level, which could undermine safety and efficiency.”
Diana Marina Cooper Head of U.S. policy at the Urban Air Mobility Division of Hyundai Motor Group
“The federal government has been crucial to the success of major transportation programs, and we now need the government to create a uniform framework for how cities can integrate AAM so that we avoid patchwork regulation at the local level, which could undermine safety and efficiency,” she continued.
“For AAM to reach its full potential, we need both private and public funding and collaboration,” she added. “Every community should have equal access to AAM, and with our nation’s focus on infrastructure, the federal government has the opportunity to make sure that a diverse set of communities have the necessary resources to attain AAM’s transformational benefits,” Cooper explained.
In addition, industry has a duty to educate communities on the advantages of AAM and to work collaboratively to address local concerns, said Cooper.
“AAM uses clean electric propulsion technology to connect communities and give people the freedom to live outside expensive urban areas without sacrificing their access to employment opportunities,” she noted.
“AAM brings tremendous economic and environmental benefits to local communities, but to succeed, we need public acceptance. At Hyundai, we are focused on building relationships with city planners and local communities to educate them on the benefits of this technology and to ensure the benefits are shared equitably,” Cooper concluded.
DIANA MARINA COOPER is head of U.S. policy at the Urban Air Mobility Division of Hyundai Motor Group. She previously served as senior vice president of policy and strategy at PrecisionHawk.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.