Readout of the White House Summit on Advanced Air Mobility
On August 3, 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), in coordination with the National Security Council, hosted the first ever White House Summit on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The summit brought together industry leaders, Federal policymakers, and academic experts from across the country to discuss AAM, Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) –also known as drones – and electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft technologies. These aircraft aim to merge into the National Airspace System (NAS) which includes traditional passenger and transport aircraft, creating a new aviation transportation ecosystem.
The event built on the Biden-Harris Administration’s recent efforts to ensure that the United States maintains its global leadership in aviation, and furthers the Administration’s commitment to leveraging science and technology to enhance equity, combat climate change, boost the economy, and sustain America’s global standing.
The summit drew more than seventy representatives from U.S.-based companies, academia, and State and Tribal officials for discussion. Distinguished guests included Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Senator Bill Nelson, the Administrator of NASA; Mr. Billy Nolen, the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration; and Mr. Carlos Monje, Department of Transportation, Undersecretary of Transportation for Policy.
Dr. Alondra Nelson, Deputy Assistant to the President performing the duties of the Director of OSTP, opened the summit by calling for the Federal government, in partnership with the private sector, academia and civil society, to anticipate “the unknown opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead, and drive boldly toward solutions.”
Dr. Nelson emphasized: “We have the chance to create a world where privacy-preserving technologies, including drones, can effectively deliver medical supplies to remote and underserved communities…where innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft can shorten commute times…and where advanced air-traffic management can scale our capacity and safely handle the increased demand of traditionally crewed planes, urban air mobility systems, as well as drones of all kinds.”
Chief Batton remarked, “We truly believe this is an investment in the future. As Native Americans, we look seven generations into the future…and we must be able to tie strategy and vision to the tactical implementations of today.” Referencing the future value of the technology, Chief Batton asserted, “I think the future is extremely bright, not only within the Choctaw Nation, but also across the United States as a whole.”
The White House is committed to ensuring the United States remains the global leader in aviation and other emerging transportation technologies that have the potential to bring tremendous benefits to all American people.
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