Voinovich School wins funding for electronic aviation upgrade

The runway to electrically powered aviation just got a little shorter in Southeast Ohio.

In mid-July, Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service received a $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) initiative. This funding will help 36 airports in Appalachian counties in Ohio, Kentucky and North Carolina identify the electrical charging infrastructure needed to support new electric aviation technologies. 

Appalachia is home to more than 200 airfields, most of which focus on moving goods rather than people. As the aviation industry further develops the potential of electronic drones and their larger, piloted cousins, these airports must adapt if they hope to thrive. The potential economic opportunities are significant as this new Advance Air Mobility (AAM) technology tends to be less noisy and more economical, flexible and sustainable than traditional aircraft. Further, the less crowded airspace of Appalachia is ideal for the rigorous testing required. But to compete in this market, sufficient charging capacity is required.  

“We will identify the infrastructure investments needed to bring those airports into the 21st century of sustainable electric aviation,” says Brent Lane, senior executive in residence at the Voinovich School and the lead for the ARISE grant. “We want Appalachia to be a leader in this industry.” Information gathered during this project will inform implementation of technology upgrades at targeted airports across the Appalachian regions in 13 states beginning in 2025.

The Voinovich School will match the ARISE grant with an additional $170,000 and partner with state transportation and aviation departments in the three states.