Virginia(VA)

Virginia has positioned itself as the "testing capital" of the AAM industry through a powerful partnership between the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) and the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC). As of January 2026, the state is operationalizing its Advanced Air Mobility Test Site Program, launched in November 2025. +1

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

Virginia’s strategy emphasizes the creation of an "AAM Ecosystem" that bridges digital and physical assets.

• First FAA-Licensed Vertiport: The state achieved a national milestone with the designation of the Blackstone Army Airfield (BKT) as one of the first multi-use vertiport facilities in the region.
• Virginia Flight Information Exchange (VA-FIX): This digital backbone allows the state to coordinate low-altitude airspace between crewed and uncrewed aircraft, providing a real-time data layer for AAM operators in the Dulles and Richmond corridors.
• Minimum Viable Infrastructure (MVI): DOAV’s 2025 MVI report now serves as the state’s technical manual for regional airports to begin the phased installation of AAM-compatible landing zones.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

Virginia is aggressively recruiting AAM manufacturers and service providers through its Unmanned Systems Center.

• Commonwealth Test Site Program: Five industry partners—including DroneUp, Aloft, and OneSky—are currently conducting real-world flight demonstrations in Virginia to validate safety frameworks for commercial AAM deployment.
• Manufacturing Recruitment: In December 2025, Avio USA selected Virginia for a new $500 million advanced manufacturing facility, further solidifying the state’s aerospace supply chain.
• AAM Multistate Collaborative: Virginia continues its leadership role in this steering committee, working with Ohio to harmonize AAM regulations across state lines.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• Virginia DOAV AAM Portal: doav.virginia.gov/advanced_air_mobility
• Virginia AAM Strategic Plan: Virginia's AAM Blueprint (PDF)