|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Livermore is seeking to position itself as a leader in aviation innovation and advanced air mobility by establishing a program dedicated to advancing quiet and clean aviation technology and promoting innovation economy, according to an announcement from the city last week.
The proposed Aviation Innovation Center will serve as a hub for the assessment of novel aviation and advanced air mobility technologies, such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, providing startups and established companies with the resources and infrastructure needed to develop, test and deploy clean and quiet aviation solutions, city officials said.
The initiative aims to drive new opportunities for residents and local businesses, and foster additional employment options in the Tri-Valley.
“Livermore’s Aviation Innovation Center will reinforce Livermore’s role as a regional innovation leader,” Mayor John Marchand said.
“By fostering opportunities for established and start-up businesses to introduce and test clean and quiet aviation options, we can help shape the future of air mobility, ensuring Livermore remains at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry while remaining responsible to the surrounding community’s concerns about noise and leaded fuel,” he added.
This new development is among a number of recent changes at the airport as the city strives to identify potential development options and approaches at the facility that are responsive to the needs of the airport and the community as well as position the airport as more of a resource for first responders and public safety agencies.
The airport added another option for pilots to use unleaded aviation fuel last July. And later in December, the city announced a strategic realignment in its organizational structure designed to enhance service delivery and maximize economic development opportunities by transitioning oversight of the airport from the Public Works Department to the Innovation & Economic Development Department.
Additionally, just last month the city named Benedict “Benny” Stuth to permanent airport manager after he had been serving in the role on an interim basis since September 2023.
“The Aviation Innovation Center will be a catalyst for job creation and economic vitality, contributing to the quality of life in the region. By attracting investment and fostering industry partnerships, we are building a stronger local economy that will provide long-term benefits for the Livermore community,” city innovation and economic development director Brandon Cardwell said of the airport’s latest announcement.
Officials said that as planning and development progress, the city will engage with industry stakeholders, potential partners and aviation innovators to explore opportunities to collaborate and contribute to the project.
