Arkansas(AR)

Arkansas has rapidly ascended as a premier testbed for AAM, specifically focusing on uncrewed cargo logistics and "middle-mile" delivery. As of January 2026, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics are executing a strategy that turns the state’s rural geography into a competitive advantage for long-range autonomous flight.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

Arkansas is home to the Northwest Arkansas (NWA) AAM Corridor, which has become a national model for regional integration.

• Statewide Vertiport Standards: In December 2025, the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics released its first Vertiport Design and Siting Guide, providing local planning commissions with clear standards for landing site infrastructure.
• Legislative Incentives: The state has implemented aggressive tax credits for AAM companies that relocate their headquarters or manufacturing to Arkansas, helping to secure its status as a leading aerospace employer in the South.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

Arkansas’ strategy is heavily influenced by the presence of major retail and logistics giants like Walmart and Tyson Foods.

• Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS): The state is a leader in BVLOS operations, with a 2026 pilot program launching to connect 15 regional distribution centers using autonomous heavy-lift cargo eVTOLs.
• NWA Council Integration: The Northwest Arkansas Council continues to lead a multi-city effort to integrate AAM into the regional transit plan, connecting Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Springdale via a planned network of five primary vertiports.
• Canoo and Beyond: With companies like Canoo establishing a manufacturing presence in the state, Arkansas is building an "Electric Mobility Valley" that spans both ground and air transport.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• ARDOT Planning & AAM: ardot.gov/divisions/planning
• Arkansas Division of Aeronautics: aeronautics.arkansas.gov