Kansas has published its “Advanced Air Mobility Strategy,” assessing the impact of AAM cargo and passenger operations throughout the state.
The strategy looks at the impact of several drone and eVTOL/electric aircraft applications on the state’s economy, including aerial applications (drones for agriculture), cargo transport, air medical transport, emergency response and urban/regional air mobility.
According to the document:
“Across all potential impact sectors, Kansas is projected to conservatively generate USD10.73 billion in cumulative gross domestic product (GDP), USD20.31 billion in gross output, USD8.42 billion in personal income, and 40,697 jobs by 2050 (over the normal expected growth trends for all the measures reported during the period 2025-2050)….The MARC/Mokan, South Central Kansas, and Great Plains regions areexpected to see the greatest impact, accounting for 70–80 percent of statewide gains.”
The analysis assumed initial operations will leverage a network with the eight airports in Kansas currently holding Part 139 airport operating certificates:
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
- Topeka Regional Airport (FOE)
- Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK)
- Garden City Regional Airport (GCK)
- Dodge City Regional Airport (DDC)
- Hays Regional Airport (HYS)
- Salina Regional Airport (SLN)
- Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport (LBL)
An expanded network, adds three additional airports:0
- Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC)92
- Colby Municipal Airport (CBK)
- Atkinson Municipal Airport (PTS)
According to the study conclusion – “Under optimistic scenarios, AAM-related activities could contribute up to 25 percent of Kansas’s aviation sector GDP (relying heavily on Kansas capturing a significant portion of the AAM MMRO market), underscoring the state’s potential to attract investment and solidify its position as a hub for advanced aerospace innovation. The combined impact of AAM manufacturing, MRO, and operational use cases represents a transformative opportunity for Kansas. By 2050, AAM adoption could generate billions in economic output, tens of thousands of jobs, and significant improvements in personal income. Strategic investments driven by Kansas priorities and objectives outlined within the Kansas AAM Roadmap will be critical to maximizing these benefits and ensuring Kansas is positioned to benefit from AAM implementation across key aerospace and economic sectors.”
For more information
https://aviation.ks.gov/files/Kansas_Advanced_Air_Mobility_Strategy_Roadmap_Market_Analysis_and_Economic_Impact_Study.pdf