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Monterey Bay Leads Charge In Us Drone Flight Corridor Network
The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has secured a significant investment of $7.4 million to establish the first FAA-compliant multi-airport California drone flight corridor network, marking a major milestone in the region’s efforts to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced air mobility technologies.
The project, known as the California Advanced Air Mobility Corridors Initiative (CAAMCI), aims to connect rural airports in Watsonville, Marina, Salinas, and Hollister, creating a comprehensive network that will support the testing, certification, and commercialization of clean-energy aircraft used in passenger, cargo, defense, and drone operations.
The funding comes through the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative and is expected to accelerate growth in advanced air mobility (AAM), including uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and drones. This initiative builds on the Central Coast’s growing role in aerospace innovation, positioning the region as both a state and national leader in AAM technologies.
“The development of an FAA-compliant multi-airport test corridor will be transformational for the Monterey Bay region,” said Tahra Goraya, President and CEO of MBEP. “This project charts a clear path forward for how we can embrace the full AAM potential of the Monterey Bay and bring the kind of jobs that will help our regional economy thrive.”
The Central Coast already has one of the nation’s highest concentrations of companies in the AAM sector, with firms such as Joby Aviation, Wisk, Archer, Parallel Flight, Elroy Air, and Guardian Agriculture developing advanced aircraft ranging from eVTOL passenger vehicles to heavy-payload drones. However, these companies often rely on public general aviation airports that lack the connected infrastructure needed to scale.
By linking rural airports in a coordinated flight network, CAAMCI is designed to close this infrastructure gap and create a platform for industry growth. The corridor will provide a foundation for workforce training and innovation programs, which are expected to create quality jobs and expand career opportunities across the tri-county region.
The initiative also highlights the wide-ranging potential for drones and advanced aircraft. CAAMCI envisions roles for uncrewed systems in wildfire monitoring, medical deliveries to rural communities, crop production support, and safe inspection of bridges and power lines. The corridor is designed to foster both economic and environmental benefits, while making the Central Coast more competitive in attracting federal and private investment.
Tahra Goraya, President and CEO of MBEP, has been instrumental in securing this funding, and Lavera Alexander, MBEP Chief Growth Officer and CAAMCI Lead, will lead the proposal and represent the Monterey Bay Tech Hub and CAAMCI at the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative Pitch Summit. The project’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of regional stakeholders, including industry leaders, higher education institutions, municipalities, and community organizations.
The Monterey Bay Tech Hub, co-founded by MBEP, UC Santa Cruz, and Monterey Bay DART, supports workforce training and policy development in drones, eVTOL aircraft, and hydrogen-fueled aviation. The Central Coast’s growing role in aerospace innovation has attracted attention from policymakers and industry leaders nationwide.
As the region continues to develop its advanced air mobility ecosystem, it is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the CAAMCI initiative. “The promise of CAAMCI is exciting,” said Goraya. “We’re committed to working with our partners to ensure that this project drives economic growth, creates jobs, and improves quality of life for our region’s residents.”
The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership has a long history of promoting regional economic development and improving the quality of life for Central Coast residents. With CAAMCI, the organization is poised to make an even more significant impact on the region’s future.
The project will provide a comprehensive framework for testing, certification, and commercialization, helping drive innovation and growth in advanced air mobility technologies. As the industry continues to expand, it is essential that regional stakeholders work together to ensure that the benefits of this technology are shared by all.
With its commitment to collaboration, workforce development, and innovation, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is leading the way in California’s advanced air mobility initiative. The success of CAAMCI will serve as a model for other regions seeking to capitalize on emerging technologies.
The Central Coast’s growing role in aerospace innovation has positioned it as both a state and national leader in AAM technologies. With its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and workforce development, the region is well-positioned to reap the benefits of advanced air mobility technologies.
As CAAMCI moves forward, it will be exciting to see the impact that this project has on the regional economy and the lives of its residents. The success of this project will have far-reaching implications for the aviation industry and the regional economy, serving as a model for other regions seeking to capitalize on emerging technologies.
In conclusion, the California Advanced Air Mobility Corridors Initiative represents a major milestone in the development of advanced air mobility technologies on the Central Coast. With its commitment to collaboration, workforce development, and innovation, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is leading the way in this initiative.