Universities across the United States are integrating advanced air mobility (AAM) into their engineering and business programs, preparing students for careers in electric air taxi operations and aircraft design. As companies like Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Beta Technologies race toward commercial deployment, the shortage of trained workers threatens to become a bottleneck. Academic institutions are stepping in to fill that gap through specialized degree programs, research centers, and hands-on testing facilities.

What Skills Do Air Taxi Engineers Actually Need?

The emerging electric air mobility industry requires expertise that didn't exist a decade ago. Students pursuing careers in this field must understand multirotor and fixed-wing aircraft design, hybrid and electric propulsion systems, advanced navigation and guidance controls, and high-voltage electrical distribution. Beyond engineering, the industry also needs specialists in airspace management, cybersecurity, battery technology, and aviation maintenance for electric motors and composite materials.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has become a hub for this emerging discipline. The university offers an AAM minor that covers aircraft design, regulations, environmental concerns, air traffic management, and business applications. Subsequent courses dive deeper into ground infrastructure, air infrastructure, data systems, and cybersecurity. In August 2026, Dr. Kevin Adkins, a professor in the Aeronautical Science Department, published "Foundations of Advanced Air Mobility," a textbook that reflects how thoroughly AAM has reshaped aviation education.

"AAM has already fundamentally changed the way we go about designing aircraft," said Dr. Kevin Adkins, a professor in the Aeronautical Science Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Dr. Kevin Adkins, Professor, Aeronautical Science Department, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

How Are Universities Preparing Students for Air Taxi Careers?

• Specialized Academic Programs: Universities are embedding AAM coursework into aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering curricula. Aerospace engineering students study multirotor and fixed-wing designs, while civil engineering courses now cover the design of vertiports and other AAM infrastructure. Mechanical engineering capstone projects explore battery and fuel cell technologies that power these aircraft.
• Research and Testing Centers: Embry-Riddle established the Center for Advanced Air Mobility, a hub for interdisciplinary research, testing, simulation, and workforce training. Texas A&M University leads the FAA-established Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies, which includes airspace laboratories and flight demonstration zones. The University of Michigan created M-Air, a 40-mile research skyway between Ann Arbor and Detroit's Michigan Central Station technology hub.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Universities are partnering directly with AAM companies and government agencies. Embry-Riddle researchers worked with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to demonstrate that Orlando International Airport could safely accommodate AAM operations. The Florida Department of Transportation and Embry-Riddle jointly hosted an AAM summit that brought together over 300 researchers, policymakers, and aviation industry leaders for technical discussions and demonstrations.
• Business Model Development: The David B. O'Maley College of Business at Embry-Riddle is advancing business models for new manufacturing and operations, from cargo delivery to passenger service, recognizing that the AAM industry will need leaders who understand both technology and commerce.

Other universities have similarly stepped up. Delaware State University and the University of Utah have held forums on AAM deployment in their states, while the FAA-supported Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies at Texas A&M includes airspace laboratories and flight demonstration zones. With $1 million in state support, the University of Michigan created M-Air, a 40-mile research skyway stretching between the university's campus in Ann Arbor and the Michigan Central Station technology hub in Detroit.

Why Does the Workforce Challenge Matter Right Now?

The timing is critical. Deloitte estimates that the AAM market could reach $115 billion by 2035, and the industry could generate more than 280,000 high-value jobs by that same year. Companies like Joby Aviation are already entering advanced stages of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, and Archer Aviation is conducting multi-city flight tours to prepare for commercial operations. Without a pipeline of trained engineers, technicians, and operational staff, these companies will struggle to scale from testing to real-world service.

The coordination between public and private sectors, as well as federal, state, and local governments, is crucial to launching and integrating AAM aircraft into the nation's airspace safely. State transportation agencies are teaming up with major AAM players, including Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, Electra.aero, and Joby Aviation. These companies, while competitors, are finding opportunities to work together on shared challenges like airspace integration and safety standards.

In March 2026, the Transportation Department and the FAA announced the selection of eight projects for a pilot program that creates a pathway for companies to test real-world operations of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) vehicles and hybrid aircraft. These projects span 26 states and a range of applications, including urban air taxis, regional passenger transportation, cargo delivery, emergency response, autonomous flight, and offshore energy operations.

By integrating AAM skills into university programs and professional training, academic institutions are ensuring the U.S. can build an aviation workforce prepared for this new era in mobility. The collaboration between universities, government agencies, and companies like Joby Aviation represents a coordinated national effort to position the United States as a leader in advanced air mobility before other countries establish dominance in this emerging industry.