Idaho(ID)

Idaho is leveraging its high growth and extensive general aviation (GA) network to become a leader in Regional Air Mobility (RAM). As of January 2026, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Division of Aeronautics is integrating AAM into its 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan, focusing on rural connectivity and emergency response.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

Idaho’s strategy is built on its status as one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., requiring new ways to move people and goods across its rugged terrain.

• Airport Electrification: ITD is reviewing its 120+ public-use airports for electrical capacity upgrades, aiming to create a "charging spine" that allows eVTOL and eCTOL aircraft to cross the state with minimal range anxiety.
• Carbon Reduction Strategy: Under the 2024/2025 Carbon Reduction Strategy, Idaho is identifying AAM as a key technology for reducing transportation-related emissions in the Boise and Twin Falls urban corridors.
• Land Use and Zoning: The state is developing guidance for local municipalities to protect approach and departure paths for future vertiports, ensuring that urban sprawl does not inhibit AAM flight corridors.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

Idaho is targeting "mission-driven" aviation, particularly in the sectors of agriculture and emergency services.

• Rural Medical Delivery: A 2026 pilot framework is being developed to connect rural Idaho communities to trauma centers in Boise using autonomous cargo eVTOLs for the rapid transport of blood products and medical kits.
• Agricultural Innovation: The state is facilitating uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for large-scale crop monitoring and precision spraying, providing the operational data needed to validate larger AAM platforms in 2027.
• Aviation Art and Workforce: To build the future workforce, the 2026 Aviation Art Contest is currently engaging K-12 students with the theme "Around the World in a Plane," mirroring the federal strategy to build an AAM talent pipeline from an early age.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• ITD Aeronautics Planning: itd.idaho.gov/planning
• Idaho 2040 Long-Range Plan: itd.idaho.gov/2040-Plan