The United States has unveiled its first-ever National Air Mobility Strategy, signaling a major push to ensure America—not China—leads the world in the next generation of aviation technology. Announced on the anniversary of the Wright brothers’ historic first flight, the strategy lays out a 10-year roadmap spanning 2026 through 2036 to integrate advanced air vehicles into the nation’s skies.

The plan focuses on safely incorporating electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, known as eVTOLs, as well as drones and other advanced aerial systems into existing airspace. These technologies are expected to transform urban transportation, cargo delivery, emergency response, and regional travel by dramatically reducing travel times and expanding access.

Built around six core pillars, the strategy emphasizes airspace integration, infrastructure development using existing airports and vertiports, safety and security standards, workforce training, community engagement, and progressive automation. In total, the roadmap outlines 40 specific recommendations designed to guide regulators, industry leaders, and local governments through the transition.

Federal officials said the goal is to enable early commercial and urban air mobility services by around 2030, with fully autonomous flight capabilities targeted by 2035. The Department of Transportation stressed that the strategy is necessary to close the gap with China, which has moved aggressively in drone manufacturing and deployment.

Industry leaders responded quickly. Companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation announced plans to expand manufacturing capacity and accelerate pilot programs, viewing the strategy as a clear signal of regulatory certainty and long-term federal support. Their announcements suggest momentum toward making air taxis and advanced aerial services a practical reality within the next decade.

Supporters argue the initiative will strengthen national competitiveness, create high-skilled jobs, improve emergency response capabilities, and unlock a new era of mobility. By pairing innovation with safety and strategic planning, the administration aims to position the United States at the forefront of aviation once again.

The National Air Mobility Strategy marks a defining step toward reshaping how Americans move through the skies—combining historic aviation leadership with emerging technology to secure U.S. dominance in the future of flight.