DART releases SOAR Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Readiness Assessment establishing 1st regional assessment of readiness to support AAM industry growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Josh Metz, DART Executive Director
(831) 200-1969 | josh@mbdart.org

Marina, CA—November 12, 2024

DART proudly announces the release of its latest report, Strategic Outlook and Assessment for Regional Advanced Air Mobility (SOAR AAM). The report sets a visionary course for the Monterey Bay Region, outlining practical steps to establish the area as a leader in the burgeoning AAM industry by leveraging the region’s general aviation airports and aerospace manufacturers.

The SOAR AAM Report is the culmination of in-depth research, stakeholder interviews, and rigorous analysis conducted with leading aerospace manufacturers, local and state government, and regional general aviation airports. It identifies specific strategies to leverage the region’s strengths, including existing industry partnerships with companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, to integrate cutting-edge technologies into regional airports and economic infrastructure.

“Salinas Municipal Airport is uniquely positioned to drive innovation and growth in the Advanced Air Mobility sector. The insights from the SOAR AAM report are invaluable, highlighting the readiness of our infrastructure to support cutting-edge research, development, and testing,” said Salinas Airport Manager, Matthew Nelson. “Our ongoing collaboration with industry leaders like Archer Aviation and investments in advanced charging technologies underscore our commitment to facilitating the transition to sustainable aviation. The Monterey Bay region’s airports are not just prepared but eager to lead in providing the foundation for a transformative future in AAM, ensuring regional benefits for years to come.”

Key Report Highlights:

• Economic Potential: With AAM projected to become an $80 billion industry by 2034, the report identifies how the region’s airports, businesses, and institutions can harness this opportunity to drive job creation and sustainable development.
• Airport Readiness: Detailed assessments of five Monterey Bay general aviation airports provide a roadmap for AAM infrastructure upgrades such as electrification, vertiports, and manufacturing facilities.
• Collaborative Frameworks: The report underscores the need for a unified regional approach, emphasizing partnerships between public and private stakeholders to streamline development, attract investment, and expedite regulatory approvals.
• Sustainability Focus: Recommendations include adopting green energy solutions like electric aircraft charging stations and hydrogen fuel infrastructure to align with state and federal climate goals.

“The SOAR AAM Report is a practical roadmap and valuable catalyst to further regional interests in emerging technology and aviation-driven economic development in the Monterey Bay Region,” said Josh Metz, Executive Director of DART. “The report adds to the growing body of market insights and feasibility studies to realize economic development outcomes, and it demonstrates how the Monterey Bay area can expand its leading role in Advanced Air Mobility innovation, combining economic growth with a commitment to equity and sustainability.”

Vision for the Future:

The report envisions the Monterey Bay Region as a hub for research, development, and early adoption of AAM technologies. This includes leveraging partnerships with companies like Joby Aviation and regional airports’ unique capabilities to position the area as a model for AAM integration nationwide.

About DART:

DART is a non-profit, public benefit corporation dedicated to advancing the future of drone, automation, and robotics technologies. The organization fosters collaboration among private sector companies, government agencies, and educational institutions to build community workforce programs, critical resources and infrastructure towards thriving innovation ecosystems and impactful economic development outcomes.