House Passes Bill To Fund Electric Air Taxi Infrastructure

House of Representatives passed bills that will fund the construction of electric air taxi infrastructure such as vertiports, electric charging and fuelling stations, and connectivity to current transit hubs.

The Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act would establish a two-year, $25 million pilot grant programme for statewide, local, and tribal governments. The bill was approved by a vote of 338 to 73 in the House.

Over 100 businesses are working on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft all over the world (EVTOL). Widespread certification and adoption of such craft could begin as soon as the latter half of this decade. EVTOL developers promise to provide economical intra-urban transportation. However, infrastructural development will be critical.

“The innovations coming out of the aviation sector are incredible,” said Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), who is the leading Republican on the House Aviation Subcommittee. “The problem is that the only places we will see these technologies is in Star Wars films or in other countries. This bill helps to ensure we are ready for the technology and benefits that come along with it.”

The bill would help state and local governments set up aviation infrastructure needed for the commercialization of technologies like air taxis and drone delivery.