As the population becomes more concentrated in big cities, traffic congestion and the pollution due to it are increasing, necessitating more efficient and eco-friendly transportation methods. Low-altitude aircraft running on electric batteries and capable of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) without a runway have emerged as an alternative. They can ease traffic congestion in an eco-friendly way while requiring minimal infrastructure.
These electric VTOL (or eVTOL) aircraft require stations called Vertiports for taking off, landing and charging. Besides, regulations and navigation guides are required for the safe operation and management of each aircraft.
The chart below describes a UAM system. eVTOLs transport people and material between major city hubs, with Vertiports being responsible for their takeoff, landing, charging and management. The use of an eVTOL, like other means of transportation, is reserved through an application to ensure a smooth and seamless service. Communication between the aircraft and infrastructure is accomplished using a network, allowing real-time transmission of data.
Source: Boeing
Joby Aviation (USA): As a representative UAM company in the US, Joby Aviation has strengthened its market position by acquiring Uber’s aviation division Elevate. Joby received an investment of $590 million from Toyota in 2020. The company was also granted exclusive rights to operate air taxis in the UAE in 2023.
Volocopter (Germany): An air taxi service using Volocopter-developed Volocity is scheduled to be operated at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It has also received the authorization to operate in Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city NEOM.
EHang (China): As the first company to receive unmanned eVTOL certification from the Chinese government, it is developing models for various uses, such as fire fighting, cargo transport, and passenger use.
Archer Aviation (USA): It has a strategic partnership with Stallantis. Besides developing eVTOLs, the company is also pushing its air taxi business.
Hyundai Motor Group (South Korea): It is developing an eVTOL aircraft, which was unveiled at CES2024. The company has also established a unit in the US, Supernal.
UAM infrastructure, such as authorization processes, air traffic control and vertiport operation, differs from country to country. Therefore, it is necessary to look at how each country responds:
USA: Instead of UAM, the term AAM (advanced air mobility) is more popular, broadening the scope to areas outside the city center. In collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and United States Air Force (USAF), private companies are taking the lead in airframe development and creating the supporting ecosystem, seeking to solidify the country’s leading position in aviation.
EU: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is preparing an authorization process and related regulations. Besides, an extensive survey of urban residents and future UAM users has been conducted to understand their concerns and needs. As a result, such projects are being promoted first in the public sectors of health and safety.
China: Already leading the drone space, the country plans to revitalize the unmanned flight business through the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). As much as $44 billion is being planned to be invested in the low-altitude economy by 2026.
South Korea: The K-UAM roadmap has been in place since 2020. Core technology development projects are being planned to prepare for full commercialization by 2030. About $73 million will be invested over the three years from 2024.
UAM helps to provide seamless mobility services in conjunction with other means of transport. For the success of any UAM system, its connections with public transport must be smooth, while its collaborations with existing mobility platform services must be comprehensive.
Although they are similar to EVs in many ways, UAM systems should be viewed as a public transport option rather than personal transportation. Therefore, the timing of the introduction and popularization of UAM services will be determined by the policies followed by individual countries.
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