Lawmaker: PR must assess its readiness for arrival of AAMs

Rep. Joel Franqui Atiles

By THE STAR STAFF

House Economic Development Committee Chairman Joel Franqui Atiles recently announced the introduction of a bill aimed at evaluating current processes and existing regulations regarding the arrival of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles in Puerto Rico.

“Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated the process to integrate AAMs into our nation’s airspace,” said Franqui, the representative for District 15 (Hatillo, Camuy and Quebradillas). “The ‘Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program’ is starting in several states, paving the way for these vehicles to navigate our airspace safely and efficiently.”

“The purpose of this resolution, which we will be submitting in the coming days, is to assess the measures that our government is taking in response to the arrival of AAMs,” the legislator added. “These vehicles are small, electric or hybrid aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing, designed to transport people and cargo more efficiently, sustainably, and quietly. This technology is part of our future. States like Florida have already established platforms for this purpose, including designated zones for the operation of these vehicles.”

Franqui emphasized that “White House public policy aims for the United States to lead in this technological revolution.”

“The arrival of AAMs is comparable to the industrial revolution of the 19th century and the emergence of the internet in the 1990s,” he said. “These transformations alter the fabric of society, and we want Puerto Rico to be among the first jurisdictions to embrace this technology, armed with the necessary regulations and laws.”

The new pilot program will focus on both piloted and autonomous operations of AAMs, covering areas such as short-haul taxi services, cargo transport, logistics, support systems and emergency response protocols.

Participants in the program will utilize piloted, optionally piloted, or unmanned AAM aircraft, typically weighing over 600 kilograms (1,323 pounds) and able to carry passengers. The program will also involve technologies that ensure the safe integration of the new aircraft into the national airspace system.

States including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia are already establishing zoning and regulations for the use of AAMs.