Michigan(MI)

Michigan has rapidly emerged as a top-tier AAM state by applying its automotive "mass production" DNA to the aerospace sector. In July 2025, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2025-4, establishing the Michigan Advanced Air Mobility Initiative, which deployed over $40M by December 2025 to scale testing and production.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

Michigan’s strategy is managed by the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME). The state focuses on "Innovation Zones" that provide turnkey testing environments.

• M-Air Skyway: A 40-mile research flight corridor now links the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to Michigan Central in Detroit, facilitating urban AAM testing.
• NorthSky Uncrewed Innovation Zone: Based in Traverse City, this hub focuses on regional logistics and environmental monitoring, having secured over $30M in combined state and federal funding.
• BVLOS Corridors: Michigan is aggressively expanding its BVLOS-capable airspace across nine active test sites, including the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

The AAM Activation Fund recently awarded $4.1 million to several high-impact pilot programs:

• Medical Logistics: CVS Health is piloting drone-based specialty medication delivery in Troy, while Traverse Connect and Munson Healthcare are scaling medical supply flights in rural northern Michigan.
• Automotive Supply Chain: Jack Demmer Automotive Group has launched a pilot for rapid automotive parts delivery within a 12-mile radius in metro Detroit.
• Manufacturer Relocation: Birdstop recently moved its headquarters from Silicon Valley to Detroit to leverage the state’s prototyping grants and manufacturing supply chain.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• Michigan AAM Initiative (OFME): michiganbusiness.org/aam
• Executive Directive 2025-4: State of Michigan AAM Order