DDEC Issues Formal Position and Endorsement on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Puerto Rico
By PRBAA Staff
The Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) has formally endorsed Advanced Air Mobility as a strategic emerging sector, backing Puerto Rico's development as a regional AAM hub.
The Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) has issued a formal position and endorsement recognizing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) as a strategically important emerging sector for Puerto Rico's aerospace, advanced manufacturing, technology, logistics, and innovation ecosystem.
In a letter dated September 3, 2026, DDEC Secretary Hon. Carlos J. Ríos-Pierluisi outlined the agency's support for developing Puerto Rico as a regional hub for AAM — covering the research, development, testing, demonstration, manufacturing, commercialization, operations, and maintenance of next-generation aviation technologies such as electric conventional and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eCTOL/eVTOL), advanced propulsion systems, battery and energy-storage technologies, avionics, autonomous systems, and related digital technologies.
Key points from DDEC's endorsement:
- Puerto Rico's strategic geographic location, established aerospace industry, skilled workforce, and access to U.S. markets provide a strong foundation for attracting AAM manufacturers, technology developers, infrastructure investors, operators, suppliers, and research organizations.
- DDEC supports leveraging applicable provisions of Act 60-2019, including incentives for qualifying research and development, advanced manufacturing, aerospace activities, and MRO operations.
- AAM has the potential to enhance island-wide passenger and cargo mobility, regional logistics, emergency response, disaster resilience, and connectivity with Vieques and Culebra — while positioning Puerto Rico as a gateway for AAM activity throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
- DDEC supports continued public-private collaboration with industry, academia, investors, airports, municipalities, and other stakeholders to build the workforce, infrastructure, and investment environment needed for responsible AAM growth.
The letter notes that this endorsement reflects DDEC's economic-development and strategic policy position on AAM and does not replace or preempt any federal or Puerto Rico regulatory, safety, certification, permitting, or airspace requirements.
View the full DDEC endorsement letter (PDF)
Read PRBAA's original announcement on LinkedIn via the link below.
Read This Article
Continue reading the full story on the publisher’s website.