Illinois(IL)

Illinois is positioning itself as the Midwest’s primary AAM hub, focusing on high-density urban air taxi operations in the Chicago metropolitan area and regional medical logistics. As of January 2026, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is moving into the implementation phase of its Illinois AAM System Plan, released in late 2025.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

The state’s strategy is built on the findings of its 2025 System Plan, which forecasted that Chicago will capture nearly 88% of all AAM trips in the state.

• Leveraging Existing Assets: IDOT is prioritizing the repurposing of existing heliports and general aviation airports, such as Vertiport Chicago and Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), to serve as early nodes in a "Phase 1" rollout.
• Legislative Alignment: IDOT is working with the General Assembly to update state aviation statutes to include definitions for "powered-lift" aircraft and "vertiports," ensuring a unified regulatory environment for local municipalities.
• Energy Planning: A key component of the 2026 roadmap is a partnership with ComEd to assess grid capacity at high-priority landing sites in the Loop and O’Hare corridors.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

Illinois is focusing on AAM as a tool for critical healthcare logistics and business travel.

• Medical Hub Operations: In late 2025, a pilot framework was established to test eVTOL transport for organ delivery and emergency medical supplies between the Illinois Medical District and regional suburban hospitals.
• eIPP Interest: The City of Chicago and IDOT have expressed intent to participate in the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) to validate high-tempo commuter routes that could bypass the city's significant surface congestion.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• Illinois AAM System Plan (Executive Summary): ilaviation.com/aam-system-plan
• IDOT Bureau of Aviation: idot.illinois.gov/aviation