South Carolina(SC)

South Carolina is executing a strategy centered on "Aviation Competitiveness," aimed at ensuring its network of 58 public-use airports can outpace neighboring states in the Southeast. As of January 2026, the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) has shifted its focus from feasibility studies to securing the long-term recurring funding necessary for high-voltage infrastructure and vertiport retrofits.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

The state’s strategy is currently driven by a major legislative push for recurring airport funding. In the 2025 legislative session, the state increased investment to over $5 million in recurring funds, with an industry-backed goal of reaching $100 million annually by late 2026.

• Modernization of the State Aviation Fund: Recent legislation (SB 675) ensures that airline property tax revenue is directly reinvested into the state’s aviation system, providing a stable foundation for AAM charging infrastructure.
• GA Airport Retrofits: SCAC is prioritizing the state’s 52 general aviation (GA) airports for early AAM operations, positioning them as "feeder nodes" to the state's commercial service hubs in Charleston, Greenville-Spartanburg, and Columbia.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

South Carolina’s approach leverages its massive automotive manufacturing base (BMW, Volvo) to attract AAM suppliers.

• Regional Logistics Corridors: In late 2025, the state began coordinating a "Lowcountry Logistics Corridor" to pilot uncrewed cargo flights between the Port of Charleston and inland manufacturing centers.
• Manufacturing Recruitment: Following the lead of neighboring states, the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness has launched a dedicated AAM task force to recruit battery and composite manufacturers specifically for the eVTOL supply chain.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• SC Aeronautics Commission (AAM Data): scaaonline.com/legislative
• SC Aviation Association (SCAA): scaaonline.com