Electra.aero Joins Virginia AAM Smart Airspace Program to Build IFR Network

Aircraft developer Electra.aero Inc. has officially joined the Virginia Advanced Air Mobility Smart Airspace program, a state-led initiative focused on creating the operational framework for next-generation aviation. The partnership, confirmed in December 2025, marks the first time an aircraft manufacturer has formally entered the program, which aims to develop the nation's first civil Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) network designed specifically for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) research.

This collaboration is a critical step toward integrating new aircraft types, including electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) and hybrid-electric models, into the National Airspace System. The program's core objective is to establish the physical and digital infrastructure needed for safe, all-weather AAM operations. This includes creating low-altitude flight corridors that can function under IFR, which allows pilots to fly without visual reference to the ground, a key requirement for reliable commercial service.

Program Framework and Goals

The Virginia AAM Smart Airspace program was launched in March 2025 as a public-private partnership. It is led by the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-designated test site, in collaboration with the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV). The initiative is designed to address the significant challenge of airspace integration for AAM vehicles.

“The Virginia AAM Smart Airspace Program is establishing the regulatory, procedural, and operational foundation for real-world AAM deployment—not in the future, but now,” said Tombo Jones, director of MAAP. “With FAA engagement, proven technical methods, and scalable infrastructure, Virginia is helping to define the national blueprint for how Advanced Air Mobility will operate in everyday airspace.”

The creation of a dedicated IFR network is central to this effort. By developing and validating these procedures, the program intends to provide a scalable model that can be adopted nationwide, ensuring that AAM services can operate safely alongside conventional air traffic.

Electra.aero's Technological Contribution

Electra.aero brings its innovative hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft to the program. The aircraft is designed to operate from spaces as small as 150 feet, significantly reducing the need for traditional runway infrastructure and enabling new point-to-point routes. This capability aligns with the AAM vision of connecting regional and urban areas more efficiently.

“This partnership marks a critical step forward on our path to unlocking a new era of aviation – one that is simpler, faster, and without the hassle of today's commercial services,” stated Parker Vascik, Director of Product Strategy at Electra. The company’s involvement will provide the program with a real-world vehicle platform to test and refine the new airspace procedures.

The regulatory pathway for such aircraft was clarified by the FAA in October 2024 with the issuance of the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) on Powered-Lift. This rule established the pilot certification and operational standards necessary for powered-lift aircraft, providing a clear framework for companies like Electra.

Economic and Market Projections

The development of AAM infrastructure is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for Virginia. A 2024 analysis by the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems, cited by Electra.aero, projected that AAM operations could generate $16 billion in new economic activity in the state by 2045. The same analysis forecasted the creation of more than 17,000 jobs and $2.8 billion in tax revenue over the same period.

These state-level projections align with broader market trends. According to a Skyquest Technology Group report, the global AAM market was valued at $15.76 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $114.08 billion by 2033. Similarly, analysis from Deloitte cited by VIPC anticipates the U.S. passenger and cargo AAM market will reach approximately $115 billion by 2035.

Greg Campbell, Director of the DOAV, highlighted the local impact: “AAM envisions technologies, such as lower-cost air taxi and cargo operations utilizing new aircraft platforms, and propulsion systems to connect regions of the commonwealth.”

Why This Matters

This partnership represents a tangible step in moving the Advanced Air Mobility concept from theoretical design to practical implementation. By combining state-level infrastructure development with a specific aircraft platform, the Virginia program creates a comprehensive testbed for the procedures and regulations needed for nationwide AAM deployment. The initiative's focus on creating a scalable, FAA-approved IFR network addresses one of the most significant barriers to entry for the AAM industry, positioning the collaboration as a potential national model for integrating next-generation aviation into the existing airspace.

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