Electra CEO Marc Allen to give keynote; event unites manufacturers, federal regulators, defense officials, and investors at the nation’s sole build-test-fly hub
NAAMIF gathers the right minds to address the ever-changing challenges of AAM technology, all within a facility where that work is already underway—an ecosystem built for rapid industry advancement”— Ted Angel, Executive Director of NAAMCE
The National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) is set to hold its fifth annual National Advanced Air Mobility Industry Forum (NAAMIF) on Oct. 15, assembling aircraft builders, federal regulators, military brass, investors, and infrastructure specialists for a hands-on dialogue about the steps needed to transition advanced air mobility from flight testing into full-scale production and everyday use.
Those interested can register for NAAMIF right now. https://www.aamohio.com/naamif
This is a national priority. According to Aerospace Industries Association and Deloitte research, the U.S. advanced air mobility sector could hit $115 billion annually by 2035, generating over 280,000 jobs—but only if certification, manufacturing capabilities, airspace integration, and workforce development align on a single schedule. That’s the central question NAAMIF aims to tackle.
As AAM technology keeps progressing, scaling to production becomes trickier—covering certification, supply chains, infrastructure, and community buy-in,” said Ted Angel, NAAMCE’s executive director. “NAAMIF brings together those who are accountable and capable of resolving these issues for a full day, right where this work is already taking place, in an environment built for industry-speed progress.
Keynote and agenda highlights
Marc Allen, chief executive officer of Electra, is slated to deliver the keynote, sharing his perspective on the dynamics shaping the industry’s future and what’s required to transform advanced air mobility from a development effort into a viable enterprise.
The single-day schedule leans heavily toward interactive working sessions rather than standard presentations:
AAM Defense Fireside Chat — exploring the overlap between advanced air mobility and national security, including how new platforms might support defense operations and what’s needed to move fresh capabilities into practical use. Confirmed speakers include Blain Newton from BETA Technologies, Donn Yates from Electra, and Sergio Cecutta from SMG Consulting.
Growing Capabilities Panel — focusing on the workforce, manufacturing, supply chain, infrastructure, and partnerships that go beyond just the aircraft to sustain an entire industry.
Workshops — Three distinct workshop themes will be offered, each repeated in three separate sessions. While the core topic stays the same, each session brings a different focus, conversation angle, and set of viewpoints. The themes are: Beyond the Prototype (the infrastructure and operational needs for scaling a validated aircraft), The Digital Enterprise (using digital tools, data, and certification methods to shorten development cycles), and From Novelty to Normal (community outreach and gaining public trust).
These workshops are crafted to deliver actionable insights, with each session wrapping up by sharing its results with the entire forum.
A broad lineup of speakers and participants is planned, featuring BETA Technologies, Joby Aviation, Eve Air Mobility, the Federal Aviation Administration, Civil Air Patrol, and more. The day also includes an exhibition, flight simulator opportunities, and an evening networking reception.
A facility designed for the move to production
NAAMCE stands alone in the U.S. as the only site offering a fully integrated build-test-fly capability through a single, coordinated partner network. Companies operating there gain access to the National Airspace System at altitudes up to 18,000 feet and can run extended, beyond-visual-line-of-sight missions without chase planes—eliminating the biggest time and financial drain for most flight test programs.
This access is enabled by SkyVision, a ground-based system delivering real-time airspace awareness for uncrewed and autonomous aircraft. Operated in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Ohio UAS Center, it covers a 225-square-mile BVLOS range with no restrictions on aircraft size. The facility itself spans 30,000 square feet of lab, research, and collaboration space, plus 25,000 square feet of hangar area.
For an AAM company, the result is fewer vendors to manage, fewer approvals to secure, and a shorter path from design choice to the flight data that confirms it.
The surrounding supply chain
Ohio has emerged as one of the globe’s most concentrated and influential hubs for advanced air mobility manufacturing. Both Joby Aviation and Electra have revealed plans to set up production plants in the state. Hartzell Propeller, a century-old propulsion firm, collaborates directly with companies at the center. GE Aerospace, headquartered in Cincinnati, is another established player investing in electrified flight. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and a statewide supplier network further strengthen the competitive edge for aerospace and defense firms.
Registration for NAAMIF is currently open at aamohio.com/registration.
NAAMCE Aviation Weekend
NAAMIF serves as the centerpiece of NAAMCE Aviation Weekend, a three-day event at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport:
Oct. 15 — NAAMIF, the industry forum.
Oct. 16 — STEM Day: a hands-on experience for students in grades 6-12, moving through aircraft discovery, an aviation innovation lab, airport operations, and future-of-flight stations, in partnership with local schools. Educators can reach out to ltima@naamce.com for details.
Oct. 17 — The Great American Electric Air Race: a public event uniting electric aircraft, pilots, and the community, featuring biplane rides, a complimentary FAA TRUST certificate course, an eVTOL simulator experience, food trucks, and live entertainment. Rain date is Oct. 18. Tickets can be found via the event page at aamohio.com/electric-air-race.
Sponsorship and exhibitor slots are still up for grabs at aamohio.com/become-a-sponsor.
About NAAMCE
The National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence is a 55,000-square-foot facility at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport committed to speeding up the testing, validation, certification, and commercialization of advanced air mobility aircraft and systems. NAAMCE gives innovators access to the National Airspace System at altitude, an integrated beyond-visual-line-of-sight flight range, hangar and lab space, and coordinated connections to the federal agencies, research bodies, and industry collaborators needed to push a project forward. Find out more at naamce.com.
Media contact
Lindsey Tima
ltima@naamce.com
(937) 471-3262
Lindsey Tima
NAAMCE
+1 937-471-3262
email us here
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