Major Airlines Bet Big on Advanced Air Mobility to Solve Aviation Gridlock

Imagine bypassing highway traffic by soaring directly to the airport in a quiet electric aircraft. This vision of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) isn’t science fiction – it’s a strategic priority for America’s largest airlines. At the recent AUVSI Drone and AAM Policy Symposium in Washington, D.C. (July 2025), executives from United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Republic Airways revealed deep investments in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and AAM networks, targeting aviation’s toughest challenges: airport congestion, community access, and operational efficiency.

Why Airlines Are Placing Strategic Bets on AAM

For United Airlines, the motivation is rooted in overcoming ground access bottlenecks. “We have hubs that are just hard to get to, like Newark, Dulles, and O’Hare,” explained Bobby Fraser, United’s Head of Regulatory Affairs & Policy. United’s venture arm holds stakes in AAM pioneers Archer and Eve Air Mobility, alongside hydrogen-electric developer ZeroAvia. Fraser emphasized United provides more than capital: “We allow them to use our name, our livery – showing regulators and investors this is real.” This endorsement is crucial for an emerging industry seeking credibility.

Republic Airways sees AAM as a lifeline for regional connectivity. “Our goal is to restore air access to communities that lost it,” stated Charles Cope, Republic’s Director of AAM. “eVTOLs offer a solution, but they must be quiet and community-friendly.” Republic collaborates with manufacturers like Beta Technologies and Embraer-backed Eve, focusing on aircraft suited for smaller markets.

Delta Air Lines prioritizes resilience through technological evolution. “We’ve seen massive change over 100 years,” noted Jana Lozano, Delta’s Director of Policy. Already using drones for aircraft inspections under FAA approval, Delta is preparing for passenger-scale AAM through partnerships with Joby Aviation and JetZero. Lozano stressed a cautious approach: “We bring our safety management experience. It has to be right from the beginning.”

Navigating the Path to Operational Reality

The transition to AAM operations requires tackling significant hurdles:

• Phased Deployment: Fraser indicated initial operations will avoid complex airspace: “We’re not starting in Manhattan. Look at cities like Houston with room to grow.” Lozano echoed this, advocating a “crawl-walk-run” strategy.
• Infrastructure & Community Acceptance: Cope highlighted community noise concerns as critical: “Helicopters often face rejection. We need early community engagement for vertiports, charging, and airspace access.” Success hinges on quieter eVTOL technology and thoughtful urban integration.
• Certification & Regulation: While FAA certification remains demanding, Cope views U.S. standards as the “gold standard” driving OEM design. Fraser added, “United supports partners through certification – it’s about doing it right, not shortcuts.”
• Air Traffic Control Modernization: All panelists agreed modernizing ATC is non-negotiable. Fraser called it a “national priority and competitiveness issue,” while Lozano urged a “capability-focused” system integrating new entrants. Cope advocated for government-industry collaboration on leveraging advanced avionics.

The Role of Collaboration

A common thread was the necessity for partnership. Airlines are actively working with eVTOL manufacturers, airports, regulators (FAA, DOT), and local communities. “This is just another part of flying,” Fraser concluded, underscoring the view that AAM is an evolutionary step in aviation. The collective effort aims to meet stringent safety benchmarks while delivering tangible benefits: reduced road congestion, faster airport transfers, restored regional air service, and enhanced network resilience for major carriers.

The commitment from aviation giants signals AAM’s move beyond concept into tangible planning. Overcoming infrastructure, regulatory, and community hurdles remains critical, but the airline industry’s stake in this future is now undeniable. As these partnerships mature and technology advances, the era of integrated air mobility draws significantly closer. Track the evolution of Advanced Air Mobility to understand the future of regional travel.

Must Know

What is Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)?
AAM refers to a new transportation system using highly automated electric or hybrid-electric aircraft, particularly eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing), for passenger and cargo transport. It aims to provide faster, more efficient point-to-point travel, especially in urban and regional areas, complementing existing aviation and ground transport.

Which major airlines are investing in AAM?
United Airlines (investing in Archer, Eve Air Mobility), Delta Air Lines (partnered with Joby, JetZero), and Republic Airways (working with Beta Technologies, Embraer’s Eve) are leading airline investors. They see AAM as solving core operational challenges like airport access and regional connectivity.

How will AAM benefit travelers?
AAM promises faster airport transfers avoiding ground congestion (e.g., to hubs like Newark or O’Hare), potential restoration of air service to smaller communities, and eventually, rapid point-to-point urban trips. Airlines emphasize it must be quiet, safe, and community-integrated.

What are the biggest challenges facing AAM?
Key hurdles include: certifying novel aircraft safely (FAA), building vertiport infrastructure with community support, modernizing air traffic control for dense low-altitude operations, ensuring aircraft are quiet enough for cities, and developing scalable business models for operators and airlines.

When will airline-linked AAM services start?
Initial, limited operations are likely within 2-5 years (late 2020s), starting in less complex airspace (e.g., Houston, specific corridors). Broader deployment, especially in dense cities, hinges on regulatory progress and infrastructure development. Airlines stress a cautious, phased “crawl-walk-run” approach prioritizing safety.