Image courtesy KDOT

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, along with the Department of Commerce and aviation partners, has released the Kansas Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Roadmap. The plan, unveiled Sept. 18 in Wichita, lays out strategies to use new aviation technology to improve transportation, boost the economy, and expand access across the state.

The roadmap shows how these advancements can benefit not only airports but also hospitals, farms, infrastructure, and public safety—especially in rural areas. Examples include faster medical deliveries, better air ambulance access, precision agriculture, and improved inspection of roads and utilities.

Kansas is well-positioned to lead in this field with 146 public airports, a strong aviation workforce, and three universities recognized for aviation research. The state also has manufacturers, maintenance providers, and parts suppliers to support growth.

The roadmap outlines short-, mid-, and long-term steps, with government, universities, and industry working together through the Emerging Aviation Technology Working Group. This group will guide implementation and meet monthly online, with recordings posted to KDOT Aviation’s YouTube channel.

More details, including the full roadmap, are available at aviation.ks.gov/aam.html.