Lansing, Michigan, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive directive to launch the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Initiative in Michigan, allocating over $4.1 million for four key projects. The initiative aims to enhance aerial vehicle capabilities and infrastructure through collaborations with various organizations, focusing on healthcare applications and automotive deliveries. The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification will oversee the implementation, with the goal of integrating aerial technologies into Michigan’s transportation systems and fostering economic growth.
Lansing, Michigan – On July 17, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive that initiates the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Initiative, aimed at positioning Michigan as a leader in advanced aerial vehicle technologies. This new initiative includes an allocation of over $4.1 million designated for four significant projects that will enhance aerial vehicle capabilities and infrastructure across the state.
The AAM Initiative is fueled by a second round of funding through the Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund, which is part of a broader strategy to integrate aerial technologies into Michigan’s transportation landscape. The funded projects include collaborations with CVS Health, Traverse Connect, Jack Demmer Automotive Group, and the University of Michigan’s M-Air program. Each project targets different aspects of aerial mobility, from healthcare applications to automotive parts delivery systems.
Of the total funding, CVS Health will receive $1.5 million to explore drone delivery options for specialty medications, while Traverse Connect has been allocated $949,000 to expand drone use for medical supply deliveries across healthcare networks. Additionally, Jack Demmer Automotive Group will utilize $740,000 to implement drone delivery for automotive parts. Meanwhile, the University of Michigan will receive $1 million to develop a testbed for evaluating AAM technologies, which includes a system for managing drone traffic effectively.
One of the cornerstone projects of the initiative is M-Air, which envisions a dedicated 40-mile air mobility corridor linking the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus to Michigan Central in Detroit. This corridor is designed to support extensive drone research and testing, fulfilling the need for better aerial connectivity. Drawing from the resources of M-City—a public-private partnership that aims to innovate and research transportation—M-Air is positioning itself as a living lab dedicated to aerial mobility projects.
The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification in Michigan will oversee the implementation of the AAM initiative, working closely with various state agencies to ensure effective deployment of aerial technologies. The strategy is expected to attract jobs and foster economic growth within Michigan’s AAM sector, benefiting both students and job seekers eager to enter this emerging field. Justine Johnson, chief mobility officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, noted the critical importance of integrating both land and aerial resources to create a robust mobility ecosystem.
The overarching goal of the initiative is to secure safe and efficient integration of aerial technologies into existing transport systems while bringing together Michigan’s workforce and manufacturers. This initiative underscores Michigan’s reputation as a longstanding hub for innovation within both the aviation and automotive industries, further enhancing its potential for growth in advanced air mobility.
The Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund previously allocated over $6 million in its first round, emphasizing its commitment to prepare Michigan’s AAM sector for future advancements. With these new projects underway, Michigan is set to make significant strides in addressing essential delivery needs in various sectors, notably healthcare and emergency services. The AAM initiative represents a comprehensive approach to emerging aerial technologies and reflects the state’s determination to foster innovation and improve transportation networks.
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Additional Resources
- Michigan Daily: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Directive
- WHMI: Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive
- Smart Cities Dive: Michigan Advanced Air Mobility Support
- Flying Magazine: Michigan Allocates $4.1M for AAM Initiatives
- DBusiness: Michigan Expands Advanced Air Mobility Initiative
- Wikipedia: Aerial Mobility
- Google Search: Advanced Air Mobility Michigan
- Google Scholar: Advanced Air Mobility
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Mobility
- Google News: Air Mobility Initiative Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
