Austin
TX, US
#9 OF 25
LIVE·Data as of May 21, 2026·AIS · Methodology v1.3·Sources: FKB · MCS · OID · RPL · FPIS·Sourced from public records · Override audit trail available
50MODERATE
Dec '25Jan '26
FRIENDLYBURDEN: MODERATESTATE LAWWX PARTIALPILOT PROGRAM
SCORE BREAKDOWN
PILOT PROGRAM
15/15
VERTIPORT
0/15
OPERATORS
0/15
ZONING
0/15
REGULATORY
10/10
LEGISLATION
20/20
WEATHER
5/10
FACTOR TRENDS
Factor trend analysis is available on Professional.
TALK TO US →REGULATORY LANDSCAPEPosture + Burden · two parallel axes
PostureFRIENDLYScoring · 10pts
Stance — how friendly state and municipal government posture is toward AAM infrastructure. Currently scored as a single weight in the AirIndex 7-factor model.
BurdenmoderateTracked · not yet scored
HB 1735 (2023) established a UAM enabling framework that largely defers operational details to the FAA; state review layer is lighter than FL. Houston and Dallas have shown relatively streamlined heliport permitting pathways. Initial assessment pending verification by credentialed advisor.
Burden measures process friction — documents, reviews, public notices, and time-to-approve. A state can be posture-friendly AND burden-heavy simultaneously (e.g., Florida has enacted UAM legislation but requires a 13-document packet for heliport approval). Methodology.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
No specific operator has been catalogued for this market yet.
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VERTIPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
No specific vertiport has been catalogued for this market yet.
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See pipeline signals for this market →
AIR CORRIDORS
No specific corridor has been catalogued for this market yet.
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See pipeline signals for this market →
KEY MILESTONES
▶Federal air taxi pilot program (2026)
▶TX HB 1735 applies
▶No local vertiport zoning adopted
▶AUS airport mobility study initiated
MARKET INTELLIGENCE
Tech hub culture + Texas legislation = high potential but no local vertiport zoning code adopted. SXSW creates annual demo opportunities. AUS airport actively studying UAM. Strong VC community for early adoption. Texas selected for federal air taxi pilot program (2026).
ALERT SUBSCRIPTIONS
LAST UPDATED 2026-05-21← BACK TO MARKETS
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