At the 2026 NBAA Business Aircraft Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), advanced air mobility (AAM) experts answered a central question – what is required for new AAM aircraft to become part of a commercially viable model? More specifically, how can airports, FBOs and service providers adapt to support eVTOL aircraft and benefit from the innovative market segment?
Mike French, vice president of resident success at Signature Aviation, moderated a panel of experts in describing the status of AAM infrastructure and how airports and FBOs can take advantage of the industry’s momentum.
Where is AAM Infrastructure Today?
“We are strong believers in the long-term potential of advanced air mobility, but we also believe the market will take time to get there,” said Filippo Giusti, UrbanV’s U.S. country lead. “Our approach is simple – start early, start slow to prove the model.”
Bryan Bernhard, Archer’s chief infrastructure officer, said his company has visualized a network of airports for AMM operations around Los Angeles. He believes customers and communities will accept the new aircraft based on three key pillars of eVTOL aircraft: they’re quieter than helicopters, safer than helicopters and more sustainable.
“Electricity is just another type of fuel,” said Scott Cutshall, CAM, of Clay Lacy. “How do we start to prepare our FBOs?”
Clay Lacy has identified a few key characteristics of future AAM operations at their FBOs, including the need for proper electricity for charging, what the customer experience would look like and how to manage the quick cadence expected of the flights.
“It’s amazing to see the evolution. Electric aviation is here,” said Nate Ward of BETA Technologies. “Under this program [eIPP], we’re just going to see that progress accelerate.”
Experts shared the important role general aviation airports will play in the future of AAM, saying electric aircraft will inevitably unlock the network of general aviation airports.
“The existing airports are the backbone of this industry and are the jumping off point to one day use off-airport locations,” said Bernhard.
How to Participate in the AAM Evolution
FBOs should start planning now and ask airport management if they’re thinking about AAM. Look at local grid capabilities and possibilities to expand capacity, and consider the projected passenger throughput, which is more than most FBOs are designed to handle.
Panelists also encouraged attendees to work with aircraft manufacturers, future operators and local communities.
The experts cautioned attendees against developing dedicated vertiports without demonstrated demand. They also said FBOs shouldn’t undertake AAM infrastructure initiatives in a vacuum or assume the AAM industry doesn’t apply to your organization.
“People value their time,” said Cutshall. “AAM is going to connect airports and communities that are not well connected today.”