Preparing Michigan’s Airports for the Future of Flight

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The Michigan Airport Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Readiness Index is a first-of-its-kind proprietary assessment tool developed by Thelenwood Consulting to evaluate how prepared Michigan’s airports are for the coming wave of electric aviation, drone integration, and next-generation air mobility solutions.

 

From electric air taxis to medical drone deliveries, AAM is poised to transform how communities connect. Our Index helps identify which airports are positioned to lead—and where strategic planning, investment, or policy support are most needed.

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What Is the Michigan Airport AAM Readiness Index?

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The Airport AAM Readiness Index is a structured assessment tool that evaluates airport preparedness across multiple dimensions, including:

• Infrastructure & Utilities

• Community & Government Engagement

• Airspace & Safety Planning

• Business Development & Use Case Potential

• Partnerships & Innovation Ecosystems

 

Airports are assessed to establish a baseline of AAM readiness using both qualitative and quantitative inputs, including grant activity, planning documentation, workforce development efforts, and local economic indicators. The tool integrates feedback from airport managers, regional planners, and industry stakeholders.

 

The Index is not a ranking, but a planning resource—designed to guide conversations, identify opportunities, and support readiness efforts statewide.

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Why the Airport AAM Readiness Index Matters

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Michigan is emerging as a major hub for advanced mobility—and our public-use airports will be critical nodes in any future drone corridors or AAM ecosystem. Whether for cargo, public safety, or regional passenger flights, airports must begin positioning themselves now to:

• Attract new investment

• Support innovative use cases

• Prepare for new infrastructure needs

• Partner with industry leaders and government agencies

 

The Readiness Index supports airports, local governments, and state agencies in identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities.

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Who Should Use the Airport AAM Readiness Index

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• Airport Managers – Understand where your facility stands and how to plan for the future

• State & Regional Agencies – Prioritize funding, policy, and engagement efforts

• Private Sector Partners – Identify promising nodes for partnership and market entry

• Economic Development Leaders – Align AAM with your community’s mobility and innovation goals

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Current Focus

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The 2025 pilot of the Airport AAM Readiness Index focuses on:

• Michigan Airports

• Avflight Network airports across Michigan

• Airports selected through BETA Technologies’ AAM Activation Fund

• Key partners including MDOT-AERO, OFME, and local airport boards

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The project also includes an airport feedback survey, policy scan, and economic overlays to identify viable corridors and industry-adjacent infrastructure.

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Let’s Partner

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Thelenwood Consulting is actively seeking partners to expand and refine the Airport AAM Readiness Index:

• Airport & Industry Collaborators – Add your voice, data, or project to the Index

• State Agency Support – We are seeking backing from MDOT-AERO, OFME, and others to legitimize and scale this effort

• Funding & Grantmaking Partners – Help us support community readiness and unlock federal/state resources