WATCH: Rep. Sharice Davids Attends Trump Admin Announcement on the Future of Flight, Resulting from Her Bipartisan Aviation Law
Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) attended a special announcement at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) marking the continued implementation of the bipartisan legislation she authored to guide the nation’s approach to next-generation aviation. Davids also thanked the Trump Administration for carrying out the work Congress directed under her law.
“This new, forward-looking aviation strategy is the direct result of bipartisan work led by Kansas,” said Davids. “I want to thank the Trump Administration for continuing to advance this effort and for carrying out the work Congress directed. Advanced air mobility presents an opportunity to strengthen safety, grow our economy, and keep the U.S. competitive — and this is exactly what happens when we focus on solutions and working together.”
WATCH: Rep. Sharice Davids speaks at the U.S. Department of Transportation
Today’s announcement celebrates the release of the “National Strategy for Advanced Air Mobility,” which outlines a coordinated approach for safely integrating advanced air mobility aircraft — including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles — into U.S. airspace. The strategy was required by Davids’ bipartisan Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, which she led alongside Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), and directs federal agencies and industry leaders to work together to strengthen aviation safety, innovation, and America’s global competitiveness.
Industry estimates project that advanced air mobility could become a $115 billion global market by 2035, supporting more than 280,000 high-paying jobs in the United States alone, with Kansas well-positioned to benefit given its deep aviation manufacturing and engineering workforce.
“GAMA is grateful for the leadership of Representative Davids and Senator Moran for championing the bipartisan Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act through Congress which led to the creation of the AAM Interagency Working Group and this strategic plan,” said James Viola, President and CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). “This strategy will ensure that the U.S. will be a global leader in the AAM sector which will facilitate additional transportation options, create jobs, stimulate economic activity and competitiveness, and foster further advancement in aerospace technology.”
"We applaud Representative Davids for her leadership in advancing bipartisan legislation that laid the groundwork for the National Strategy for Advanced Air Mobility," said Michael Robbins, President and CEO, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). "The National Strategy sets a clear path for safely integrating the next generation of aviation, including autonomous aircraft, strengthening aviation safety and innovation, and positioning the U.S. to lead in the growing Advanced Air Mobility sector. AUVSI will continue our leadership working with Rep. Davids and the United States Congress, DOT, FAA, state and local governments, and industry to deliver real-world benefits, from high-tech jobs to improved connectivity and emergency response."
“When Congresswoman Davids introduced the AAM Coordination and Leadership Act, she knew that America had the chance to lead in this next generation of aviation," said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation. "This strategy is tangible proof that the U.S. government recognizes the value of the AAM industry. It’s a powerful signal that our federal government, in coordination with communities, is prepared to usher in the next generation of U.S. leadership in aviation. Thank you Congresswoman Davids for championing Advanced Air Mobility!"
Advanced air mobility represents a new frontier in aviation, creating a new mode of transportation that can move people and cargo between locations not traditionally served by aviation — including rural and underserved communities. AAM technologies will expand sustainable regional transportation options, strengthen supply chains, support emergency response, create skilled jobs in Kansas’ aviation sector, and boost America’s long-term competitiveness.
Davids serves on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and continues to work across party lines to modernize aviation, strengthen safety, and ensure Kansas remains at the forefront of the future of flight.