The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)/Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sector has a unique opportunity to further diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Because the AAM/UAV industry is relatively new, companies and organizations can create workplace cultures, hiring and training programs, and community connections in ways that may be difficult in older, more established industries.

To explore the issues around DEI in the AAM/UAV world, Commercial UAV News spoke with JR Hammond, Executive Director of the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium (CAAM). Hammond described the current state of DEI in AAM/UAV and explained how his organization is working to foster more equitable and welcoming work environments. In addition, Hammond made the business case for DEI, stating that diverse and inclusive companies are more attractive to prospective customers and employees—and more profitable.