Minnesota Electric Aviation Network (MEAN) Study

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The Minnesota Electric Aviation Network (MEAN) Study aims to identify a strategic network of Minnesota public-use airports that are suitable to support electric aircraft operations and aviation use cases pertinent to the state’s economy over the next decade. The results of the MEAN Study will highlight opportunities that exist for electric aviation and guide future infrastructure development in Minnesota.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Stakeholder education and feedback are crucial to the success of the MEAN Study. We want to hear from you if you are:

  • An airport manager, sponsor, or user
  • A business located at a Minnesota airport (e.g., FBO, logistics, retail, MRO)
  • A manufacturer of electric aircraft, batteries, powertrains, or charging solutions

Take Action

Complete the MEAN Survey

Register for and attend an in-person meeting

The Minnesota Electric Aviation Network (MEAN) Study aims to identify a strategic network of Minnesota public-use airports that are suitable to support electric aircraft operations and aviation use cases pertinent to the state’s economy over the next decade. The results of the MEAN Study will highlight opportunities that exist for electric aviation and guide future infrastructure development in Minnesota.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

Stakeholder education and feedback are crucial to the success of the MEAN Study. We want to hear from you if you are:

  • An airport manager, sponsor, or user
  • A business located at a Minnesota airport (e.g., FBO, logistics, retail, MRO)
  • A manufacturer of electric aircraft, batteries, powertrains, or charging solutions

Take Action

Complete the MEAN Survey

Register for and attend an in-person meeting

  • MEAN Meetings

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    MnDOT Aeronautics will host six in-person meetings to participate in dialogue with and seek input from managers/sponsors, users, and businesses of Minnesota airports for the MEAN Study. Each meeting will be hosted in a different region of the state and will cover the same material.

    Register for an in-person meeting

    MEAN Study In-Person Meetings

    City Date Location Address
    St. Paul
    Fri, Jan 31, 2025
    St. Paul Downtown Airport
    644 Bayfield St
    St Paul, MN 55107
    Alexandria
    Mon, Feb 3, 2025
    City of Alexandria City Hall
    704 Broadway St
    Alexandria, MN 56308
    Marshall
    Thu, Feb 6, 2025
    City of Marshall City Hall
    344 W Main St
    Marshall, MN 56258
    Bemidji
    Fri, Feb 7, 2025
    MnDOT District 2
    Headquarters - Bemidji
    3920 Highway 2 W
    Bemidji, MN 56601
    Duluth
    Tue, Feb 18, 2025
    Duluth International Airport
    4701 Grinden Dr
    Duluth, MN 55811
    Rochester
    Fri, Feb 21, 2025
    MnDOT District 6
    Headquarters - Rochester
    2900 48th Street NW
    Rochester, MN 55901

    If you have any questions about the meetings or would like to request specific accommodations, please contact Joseph Block (MnDOT Advanced Air Mobility Program Manager) at Joseph.Block@state.mn.us and/or John Coliton (Kimley-Horn Project Manager) at John.Coliton@kimley-horn.com.

  • About the MEAN

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    Why electric aviation?

    Electric aircraft technology represents a transformative shift in the aviation industry and transportation landscape. Unlike traditional aircraft that rely on internal combustion engines, electric aircraft use batteries and electric motors, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to air transportation. As the technology matures, electric aviation solutions have the potential to reduce carbon emissions, lower operating costs, and decrease noise pollution across various aviation use cases.

    Although still in the early stages, advancements in battery technology and electric propulsion systems are prompting manufacturers worldwide to develop electric aircraft, batteries, powertrains, and charging solutions. At the same time, airports, businesses, and aviation stakeholders are preparing for this industry shift by incorporating electric aviation operations, infrastructure, and economic opportunities into strategic planning initiatives.

    Why Minnesota?

    The Minnesota state aviation system is comprised of 133 public-use airports, including nine commercial service and 124 general aviation facilities. Existing activities at Minnesota's airports offer practical opportunities to integrate electric aviation, including pilot training, regional air travel, medical transportation, and short-haul cargo operations. These opportunities will enhance sustainable aviation in both metropolitan areas and rural communities, leveraging the state’s robust airport infrastructure and thriving industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism.

    Why the MEAN?

    MnDOT is committed to its Vision of a multimodal transportation system that maximizes the health of people, the environment, and the economy. As a leader in innovation and sustainability, MnDOT recognizes the impending industry disruption spurred by electric aviation and advanced air mobility (AAM) and is proactively planning for the future of Minnesota’s aviation system. The MEAN Study is intended to serve as a pragmatic starting point in preparing for future aviation technologies, providing an opportunity to foster further growth of the state’s transportation system and establish Minnesota as a leader in sustainable aviation.

Page last updated: 20 Dec 2024, 09:40 AM