Minnesota(MN)

Maine is adopting a "Regional Air Mobility" (RAM) strategy, focusing on its vast geography and isolated coastal communities. As of January 2026, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is aligning its goals with the Federal AAM National Strategy (Dec 2025), prioritizing the "middle-mile" delivery of goods and regional passenger transport.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

Maine’s strategy centers on "Climate Resilient Infrastructure." While the state does not yet have a standalone AAM office, its transportation planning is increasingly focused on the electrification of its aviation network.

• Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (MIAF): The 2026 fund, totaling $13.8 million, supports the retrofitting of critical infrastructure. While primarily focused on climate resilience, it provides the foundation for "green" airport upgrades required for electric aviation.
• Regional Hub Connectivity: MaineDOT is studying how AAM can better connect Portland, Bangor, and Augusta to major regional centers like Boston and Montreal, effectively bypassing the constraints of its seasonal road traffic.
• Small Airport Strategy: The state is exploring the use of its 30+ small regional airports as "Micro-Vertiports," providing a low-cost entry point for cargo eVTOLs to serve rural northern counties.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

Maine benefits from its proximity to the New England aerospace cluster, particularly the testing operations of BETA Technologies.

• Middle-Mile Cargo Pilot: A 2026 pilot program is in development to test autonomous "pod" deliveries of essential goods and mail to Maine's inhabited islands, reducing reliance on seasonal ferry schedules.
• Organ and Medical Transport: Following the eIPP (eVTOL Integration Pilot Program) guidelines, Maine is exploring a public-private partnership to speed up the transport of life-saving medical supplies between the MaineHealth network and specialized facilities in Boston.
• Sustainable Forestry Logistics: The state is evaluating heavy-lift drones and AAM platforms for environmental monitoring and high-precision logistics within the Maine forest products economy.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• MaineDOT Strategic Initiatives: maine.gov/dot/projects/planning
• Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (2026): maine.gov/dot/climate-initiative