California(CA)
California enters 2026 as a pivotal testing ground and manufacturing hub for the global Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry. As of December 2025, the state’s strategy, led by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), has transitioned from initial study to formal infrastructure planning and workforce development. This approach aligns with the newly released AAM National Strategy and the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), positioning California as a primary corridor for early commercial flight.
Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework
The cornerstone of California’s current strategy is the Draft AAM Infrastructure Readiness and Three-Year Implementation Work Plan, released by Caltrans in late December 2025. Developed pursuant to Senate Bill 800 (2023), the plan outlines the feasibility of converting existing heliports and general aviation airports into a functional vertiport network. A key legislative development in 2025 was the introduction of Assembly Bill 431, which seeks to centralize AAM oversight. The bill proposes:
- Establishing a State Subject Matter Expert for AAM within Caltrans.
- Updating the California Aviation System Plan to include electric aviation charging standards.
- Preempting certain local ordinances to ensure a uniform regulatory environment for vertiport siting.
Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support
California’s strategy heavily leverages public-private partnerships. Major OEMs like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation continue to utilize the state's aerospace ecosystem for flight testing and manufacturing.
- Regional Corridors: In late 2025, a $7.5 million investment from California Jobs First was announced to develop the state’s first FAA-compliant multi-airport flight corridor in the Central Coast region.
- eIPP Participation: California cities, including Huntington Beach and Los Angeles, have submitted applications for the federal eIPP. These programs are designed to validate "Proof of Concept" routes, specifically targeting the 2028 Olympic Games as a milestone for scaled operations.
- Economic Incentives: The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) continues to provide tax benefits to AAM manufacturers, recently approving multi-million dollar sales tax exclusions for production equipment.
Strategic Initiatives and Resources
For professionals tracking California’s progress, the following resources provide the technical foundations for the state’s 2026–2030 objectives:
- Caltrans Aeronautics Division (AAM Report): dot.ca.gov/programs/aeronautics
- Senate Bill 800 Work Plan: California AAM Infrastructure Readiness Draft
- Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants: 2025-2026 Awards
Market Hubs in CA
Regional Infrastructure
Atlantic Vertiports Portfolio
Atlantic Vertiports Portfolio Following the acquisition of Ferrovial’s vertiport division, Atlantic Aviation is identifying "infill" land opportunities across its 100+ FBO locations. The project focuses on Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. The goal is to build modular vertiports that can be quickly deployed at existing airports, providing dedicated gates, charging, and maintenance facilities specifically for electric aircraft operators.
Huntington Beach eIPP Hub
Huntington Beach eIPP Hub As part of the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), Archer Aviation and the city of Huntington Beach are developing a dedicated coastal node. This project is unique because it focuses on "over-water" flight paths to minimize community noise. It will eventually link Orange County to the broader Los Angeles air taxi network, serving as a primary commuter hub for the 2028 Olympic preparations.
Joby-Metropolis Mobility Hubs
Joby-Metropolis Mobility Hubs Announced in December 2025, Joby Aviation is partnering with Metropolis Technologies to convert existing parking structures into AAM "Mobility Hubs." Leveraging Metropolis’ AI-driven recognition technology, these 25 planned sites (concentrated in Los Angeles and NYC) will offer seamless passenger transitions from ground transport to air. The project utilizes underused rooftop space in high-density urban centers, avoiding the need for new land acquisition.
Monterey Bay Flight Corridor
Monterey Bay Flight Corridor California has allocated $7.5 million to develop the state's first FAA-compliant multi-airport flight corridor network here. This project connects the airports of Marina, Salinas, and Watsonville. It serves as the primary "living laboratory" for Joby Aviation’s flight testing program, documenting how electric aircraft interact with existing general aviation traffic and coastal weather patterns.