Air taxis will need a trained workforce. Here’s how one California region is making that happen.

Air taxi services are expected to grow from six initial states this year to multiple urban and rural areas by 2030, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy.

“By 2035, there will be advanced air operations with exciting use cases, including fully autonomous flight,” the DOT predicts.

To date, the focus has been on pilot training and infrastructure investments, such as vertiports and charging stations.

As advanced air mobility projects take flight, the industry will need to prepare regional airports, according to MBEP.

“Most general aviation airports don't have this kind of activity, and I think this could certainly be a strong opportunity for airports to generate economic opportunity,” Goraya said.