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.
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 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 comprises 132 public-use airports, including 9 commercial service and 123 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, health care, and tourism.
Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholder education and feedback are critical to the success of the MEAN Study. To support this, MnDOT Aeronautics hosted six in-person meetings across the state in January and February of 2025. These sessions facilitated meaningful dialogue and gathered valuable input from a broad range of stakeholders, including airport sponsors and staff, aviation users, and businesses operating at Minnesota airports.
More than 70 attendees participated, representing 26 airports, 11 aviation businesses, 6 consulting firms, 4 utility providers, 3 neighboring state departments of transportation, and the FAA.
In addition to these meetings, the project team engaged stakeholders through multiple outreach channels, including:
- A survey
- One-on-one discussions with original equipment manufacturers of electric aircraft, charging systems, and propulsion technologies
- Coordination with airport utility providers
- Interviews with airports and aviation businesses across Minnesota
- Strategic conversations with neighboring state DOTs, educational institutions, consulting firms, and the FAA
This comprehensive engagement has informed two key analyses of Minnesota’s readiness for electric aviation: supply and demand. The supply analysis evaluates airport infrastructure and airport electric power supply. The demand analysis considers electric aircraft use cases, airport activity levels, regional demographics, and stakeholder feedback.
Each analysis uses a set of weighted evaluation criteria, which together generate a total readiness score for each airport. The highest-scoring airports will form the foundation of the MEAN.
For questions or additional information, please contact Joseph Block, MnDOT Advanced Air Mobility program manager, at [email protected] or John Coliton, Kimley-Horn project manager, at [email protected].
—Joseph Block is a MnDOT aviation project manager.
