Imagine a world without traffic jams, with seamless flights as daily commutes across the cityscape. The concept of urban air mobility (UAM) makes day-to-day air travel a reality. Be it public transportation or home deliveries. As we peer into the not-so-distant future, the concept of hailing an air taxi from our smartphones might seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's edging closer to reality with UAM.
Urban air mobility (UAM), as defined by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), is a new, safe, secure, and more sustainable air transportation system for passengers and cargo in urban environments, enabled by new technologies and integrated into multimodal transportation systems. The transportation is performed by electric aircraft taking off and landing vertically, remotely piloted, or with a pilot on board.
Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities allow UAM vehicles to take off, hover, and land vertically. This requires minimal space and eliminates the need for runways. This capability has created huge potential for UAM vehicles across various sectors. In transportation, it promises efficient and congestion-free commuting, reducing travel time. Medical services can benefit from swift aerial delivery of supplies, especially in emergencies. UAM also enables rapid response for disaster relief and search missions. It also enhances tourism by offering aerial city tours. Commercially, it transforms logistics with quick, point-to-point deliveries.
Moreover, environmental gains are substantial, as UAM vehicles tend to be less polluting. Organizations such as Airbus and Blade are actively developing UAM prototypes and services. Experimenting with technologies, such as electric propulsion systems and advanced composite materials, is propelling these companies toward more sustainable options within UAM. For instance, Alpine offers a thermoplastic nanocomposite material in UAM manufacturing known as HX5.
Today, the industry leaders are working together to address the difficulties of tomorrow related to UAM airspace integration, safety requirements, and noise regulations. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the realm of UAM, navigating the dynamic market scenario, regulatory frameworks, the sustainability debate, and business strategies to enter the market.
Within the realm of UAM, various types of vehicles have been developed, each with distinct characteristics tailored to specific needs and challenges. UAM vehicles are classified on the basis of power supply, the arrangement of their engines, and different controlling systems.
The successful operation of UAM vehicles relies heavily on specialized ground infrastructure, encompassing vertiports, parking facilities, charging stations, and air traffic management systems. Collaborations among electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturers, stakeholders, and governments worldwide play a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for this vital infrastructure.
Wisk Aero and Skyports are working to establish vertiports that facilitate safe and autonomous eVTOL landings. These partnerships are essential to ensure smooth implementation of eVTOLs. Developing necessary infrastructure remains a challenge, particularly for large-scale cargo and passenger transport, compounded by limited takeoff/landing zones, communication networks, and mobility systems.
Electric propulsion, driven by stored battery energy, brings about a revolutionary shift in urban air mobility, offering environment-friendly, quiet, and agile aircraft. Yet, prevailing battery types such as lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and lithium polymer face limitations in aviation due to insufficient power output and endurance, affecting aircraft range and weight.
Significant investments are flowing into specialized eVTOL battery solutions. A notable breakthrough emerges through the collaboration of Piasecki Aircraft Corporation and HyPoint Inc., presenting hydrogen fuel systems with four times the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, doubling the hydrogen fuel cell power. This technological stride results in substantial operational cost reductions, propelling the advancement of eVTOLs.
The primary concern among the public regarding UAM services and infrastructure is safety. Flying vehicles operating in densely populated areas pose significant potential risks, fueling public anxiety due to experiences with drone interferences and crashes in urban environments. The absence of established safety standards for UAM operations elevates these concerns.
Statistical models predict a high level of reliability for eVTOLs, but this doesn't align with public perceptions, considering various flight risks. To address these safety apprehensions, the UAM industry must collaborate closely with regulators and stakeholders to establish rigorous safety standards and invest in research for enhanced operational safety.
Noise also poses a substantial challenge to public acceptance. The prospect of noisy flying vehicles is met with resistance, necessitating the development of quiet and efficient propulsion systems and noise reduction technologies within the UAM industry to minimize environmental noise pollution.
Privacy concerns emerge regarding potential surveillance technologies onboard UAM vehicles, raising worries about infringements on personal privacy. To mitigate these concerns, the UAM industry must maintain transparency in data collection and usage practices, working alongside regulators to establish clear guidelines governing surveillance technology use.
Furthermore, clarity in regulations is essential to alleviate public apprehensions regarding UAM services and infrastructure.
The UAM market presents lucrative opportunities for industry entrants to tap into the growing market potential. The development of UAM has opened multiple opportunities, with UAM offering various applications across sectors.The urban air mobility industry analysis by BIS Research projects the market to have a significant growth of CAGR 25.71% based on the values during the forecast period from 2023 to 2035.
The rise of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is starting a new era in logistics and supply chain management. Industries are capitalizing on the growing demand for efficient and rapid delivery of consumer goods and essential medical supplies.
For instance, in August 2023, the subsidiary of Google, Alphabet's drone delivery branch, Wing, known for transporting goods such as food and groceries, entered the medical delivery arena. The company aims to initiate a medical drone delivery service in Ireland. Its focus is on efficiently ferrying pharmacy items, medical tools, and samples between healthcare providers. This approach centers on creating a "provider-to-provider" service.
Moreover, through collaboration with Apian, a U.K.-based company founded by NHS doctors, Wing aims to streamline critical cargo transport with automated, on-demand solutions. This will solidify its role as a global leader in urban air mobility.
The evolution of autonomous helicopters, rotorcraft, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft signals the dawn of futuristic passenger mobility services. Industry leaders are exploring this domain with "air shuttle services" that operate along specific air routes, catering to commuters seeking efficient, time-saving transportation options within urban and suburban areas.
For instance, in February 2023, EHang, a Japanese eVTOL manufacturer, achieved its first flight success in passenger mobility with EH216, an autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV). The UAM flight carrying two passengers was authorized by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
As the UAM ecosystem expands, the demand for essential infrastructure such as vertiports, charging stations, and maintenance facilities surges. Companies specializing in infrastructure development are well-positioned to seize opportunities by designing, constructing, and managing these crucial UAM facilities.
For instance, in June 2023, Ferrovial's Airports division teamed up with Milligan to identify and develop sites for launching urban air mobility (UAM) operations in the U.K. Collaborating with AECOM and Lichfields, it would further evaluate locations suitable for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations.
Innovations in UAS navigation, collision avoidance, and remote sensing technologies are essential for the safe and efficient operation of UAM.
Businesses that specialize in the development and commercialization of these technological advancements play a pivotal role in contributing to the growth and success of the UAM industry.
Lyten, for instance, launched an automated pilot line for its lithium-sulfur battery technology in June 2023, targeting the eVTOL market due to its high energy density, appealing for aircraft weight and performance. These batteries cost 50% less in terms of materials than conventional lithium-ion batteries and are safer with reduced thermal runaway risk. Lyten's 3D graphene material, used in battery production, can offer lightweight composites for eVTOLs and resonant sensors.
Moreover, in June 2023, OneSky Systems and Ansys collaborated to advance autonomous capabilities in advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions. They are developing AI-based software equipped with perception and decision-making capabilities. The partnership allows AAM customers to train and validate neural networks (NN) through mission-driven simulations, reducing risks, time, and costs linked to physical testing for certification.
In August 2023, Hyundai Motor Group invested $50 million in Canadian AI semiconductor startup Tenstorrent, securing vital technology for future mobility. Hyundai, along with Kia, contributed $30 million and $20 million, respectively, to Tenstorrent's $100 million funding round. The carmaker aims to enhance its automotive chip technology for autonomous driving, robotics, and advanced air mobility (AAM).
The evolving UAM landscape demands comprehensive regulatory frameworks and stringent safety standards. Companies that offer consulting services to navigate these complex regulations, secure permits, and ensure that compliance is poised to carve a niche in the market. These entities play a vital role in aiding UAM operators to meet legal requirements while fostering responsible and safe operations.
In July 2023, Eve Air Mobility and Embraer introduced their inaugural electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft production facility located in Taubaté, Brazil. This move was facilitated by Eve's collaboration with Porsche Consulting, aimed at refining manufacturing strategies and innovation concepts for eVTOL aircraft.
The manufacturing plant would expand within Embraer's existing unit, benefiting from its strategic location and proximity to transportation networks. The objective was to create a high-quality, efficient, and sustainable production process, meeting the demands of the growing eVTOL market.
Urban air mobility requires crucial components for operation, such as digital infrastructure, air traffic management (ATM), docking and refueling stations, drone delivery hubs, distribution centers, maintenance facilities, and vertiports.
UAM vertiport is the specialized infrastructure for landing and takeoff for air taxis and passenger drones. These vertiports need to be strategically located, easily accessible, and equipped with facilities for maintenance, charging, and passenger services.
According to BIS Research, the vertistop and vertiport subsegment of the physical infrastructure segment is expected to generate the largest share of the collective UAM infrastructure products segment, followed by charging and refueling stations.
The global vertistop and vertiport development segment is estimated at $41.58 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.69% during the forecast period 2023-2033 to reach $103.95 million by 2033.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the largest transportation agency in the U.S. It regulates civil aviation in the country as well as controls international guidelines.
In September 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released design directives for vertiports, pivotal for facilitating advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft. These standards are crucial insights for airport stakeholders and developers for planning UAM infrastructure. The guidelines cover safety-oriented geometry, lighting, and electric infrastructure for safe eVTOL operations in diverse environments.
Shannetta Griffin, P.E., Associate Administrator for Airports, emphasized, “These vertiport design standards provide the foundation needed to begin safely building AAM infrastructure in this new era.”
To streamline the UAM operations and planning, the FAA updated its take on UAM, introducing the concept of operations (ConOps) in April 2023. This concept of operations aims to integrate UAM into the National Airspace System (NAS) as demand grows. It also guides FAA, NASA, the mobility industry, and stakeholder discussions.
Along with design standards, management is also crucial for integrating UAM into the current air space. It is anticipated that heightened UAM operations will burden the air traffic management (ATM) systems. Advanced technologies, such as AI-based software and autonomous guidance systems, cooperation among aviation regulators, airspace overseers, and UAM service providers, will further ensure ATM.
Unmanned traffic management (UTM) also plays a crucial role in creating a safe environment for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, ensuring they don't disrupt the National Airspace System (NAS) at lower altitudes. Different regions are working on UTM in their own unique ways, such as Europe's U-space and the U.S.'s advanced air mobility projects.
However, there's still more work to be done to make UTM and urban air mobility (UAM) fully operational. To achieve this, the industry can rely on advanced simulation tools, such as aircraft performance models (APMs), which help simulate eVTOL flights accurately. Airbus’ urban air mobility is dedicated to modernizing air traffic management through digital services, platforms, airspace digital twins, research, and analysis.
Further, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with support from NASA and the FAA, is developing a U-Space system to ensure the safe operation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). NASA's UTM system covers vehicle surveillance, weather prediction, routing, traffic management, and emergency landing procedures.
To address the challenge of air traffic management, Eve Air Mobility and Ferrovial Vertiports initiated a collaboration in March 2023. This partnership aims to explore the integration of Eve's air traffic management software solution into vertiport operations and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) services. Moreover, Eve will launch its ATM-enabled eVTOL services in the U.S. and Brazil by 2026 after receiving a green light from authoritative bodies such as the FAA and the Brazilian aviation safety regulator, ANAC.
Kevin Cox, CEO of Ferrovial Vertiports, said in a press release, “Our goal is to build a series of agnostic vertiport networks across the U.S. and Europe and ensure that we are utilizing an agnostic state-of-the-art urban air traffic management system will be key to achieving our ambitions.”
Affordability will play a major role in the success of UAM services. Michael Pettersson, CEO of Kookiejar of Sweden, envisions affordable and modular vertiports that could be as small as single-vehicle touch-down and lift-off (TLOF) zones.
The company associates its designs with LEGO blocks, adaptable and stackable, providing varying sizes based on demand and available space. This strategy aligns with Kookiejar's belief in flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient infrastructure over, elaborate and costly designs.
Kookiejar secured initial vertiport locations in Dubai with heliport operator Air Chateau. Moreover, its collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based Terminals Holdings also establishes a network in emerging markets such as in the Middle East.
In a press release, Pettersson emphasized their business strategy. He said Kookiejar is currently focusing on introducing its UAM product in developing nations. This would help the startup gain a first movers advantage in the UAM market, as major players are centered in North America and Europe.
In the queue to introduce affordable and adaptable UAM solutions, Skyportz, based in Australia, released the world's first vertiport-in-a-box design at the Paris Air Show in June 2023.
This design offers a cost-effective modular solution that property developers can use for air taxi landing sites. The modular vertiport buildings range in price from €99,000 to €235,000, offering flexibility for repurposing as regulations evolve.
Clem Newton-Brown, CEO, Skyportz, said at the Airshow, “The focus in the industry to date has been on larger vertiports located at existing airports. However, if this industry is to reach its potential, we need to break the nexus between aviation and airports and let private property owners develop their vertiports. This low-hanging fruit will form the essential backbone of an advanced air mobility ecosystem.”
The vertiport-in-a-box concept aims to bridge the gap between aviation and existing airports, fostering the development of a new vertiport network to unlock the full potential of the industry.
The Green Debate: Is eVTOL a sustainable alternative to conventional road vehicles?
As cities search for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional road vehicles, the question arises i.e., can eVTOLs truly offer a sustainable and environmentally responsible alternative?
In 2019, the University of Michigan and Ford teamed up to investigate the sustainability of eVTOL aircraft. The research was led by two University of Michigan students during their internship at Ford. They explored the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with different phases of VTOL flight, including takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing.
The findings revealed a complex scenario. While eVTOL aircraft exhibit efficiency during the cruising phase, they consume significant energy during takeoff and climb. This signifies that eVTOLs show energy efficiency during long journeys dominated by cruising, whereas for shorter trips under 35 kilometers (22 miles), single-occupancy internal combustion engine vehicles were found to be more energy-efficient and produced fewer greenhouse gas emissions than single-occupancy eVTOLs.
Notably, the average ground-based vehicle commute is about 17 kilometers (11 miles), which aligns with the distance threshold where internal combustion engine vehicles were found to outperform eVTOLs in terms of energy efficiency.
The research also delved into the comparison between eVTOLs and electric cars, assuming a fully loaded eVTOL aircraft carrying a pilot and three passengers, with an average vehicle occupancy of 1.5 people on the ground. In this scenario, eVTOLs exhibited lower emissions than both gasoline and battery-electric vehicles by 52% and 6%, respectively. The study also considered factors such as weight, lift-to-drag ratio, battery-specific energy, grid carbon intensity, and wind speed.
Further, time savings emerged as another compelling aspect. eVTOLs demonstrated significant advantages in terms of travel time, with a point-to-point flight path and higher speeds resulting in an 80 percent reduction in travel time compared to ground-based vehicles for the tested case of a 100-kilometer journey.
In July 2023, U.S. based electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation showcased an industry-first life cycle assessment (LCA) as part of its inaugural environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report.
Developed in collaboration with organizations such as NASA and the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the assessment dealt with the lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of Joby's aircraft. It revealed that the five-seater air taxi is projected to emit 1.5 times fewer emissions per passenger mile than an electric passenger car. Moreover, the company ensures sustainability with hydrogen propulsion and hybrid propulsion systems.
Ground Effect: Is eVTOL pollution-free?
The pollution aspect has been challenged by researchers from Bristol University's Aeroacoustics Department. The study has been published in the May 2023 edition of the Journal of Sound and Vibration. The researchers have investigated the noise characteristics of eVTOL propellers, particularly focusing on the "Ground Effect" during takeoff and landing.
The study revealed that propellers can be louder over the ground due to hydrodynamic and acoustic interaction effects. This suggests that eVTOLs might also contribute to noise pollution. However, it is much less controlled than the traditional UAMs.
Companies such as Joby Aviation are tackling the pollution aspect at every level of UAM- manufacturing and flight testing. They are emphasizing quietness and are pioneering these noise-reducing strategies, such as placements of physical infrastructure. For instance, Vertiport and drone hubs are being planned in less populated areas or on elevated structures to mitigate noise pollution concerns.
For a significant period, the aviation industry has been linked to high levels of carbon emissions and ecological harm. Nevertheless, recent progress in technology and a growing realization of the importance of sustainable practices have caused the industry to adopt advanced propulsion systems and improve efficiency in air traffic management.
According to market intelligence from BIS Research, the global emissions from commercial aviation amounted to 865.72 MMT of CO2 in 2021, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.03% and reach 1,203.42 MMT of CO2 by 2032, which is driving growth in large scale production of sustainable aviation fuels.
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are a type of alternative fuel made from various sources, including waste oil and fats, green municipal waste, agricultural residues, or algae.
SAF has a lower carbon footprint and emits fewer harmful pollutants compared to traditional fossil fuels, which are derived from non-renewable resources and emit large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing ecological damage.
For instance, In March 2021, Ikarus C42, a microlight aircraft belonging to the Royal Air Force (RAF), operated a short flight from Cotswold Airport powered entirely by synthetic gasoline manufactured by Zero Petroleum, which resulted in reduced emissions.
Furthermore, in March 2022, Airbus and The Helicopter Company (THC) expanded their partnership to promote sustainable aviation and urban air mobility in Saudi Arabia. The agreement aims to decarbonize flight operations using sustainable aviation fuels for conventional helicopters and introduce UAM services for various missions, such as emergency medical services and eco-tourism.
In March 2023, SITA and Volocopter partnered to meet the global urban air mobility infrastructure shortage. Volocopter, a German urban air mobility (UAM) company, and SITA, a global leader in IT solutions for the air transport industry based in Geneva, joined forces to collaborate on digital infrastructure for vertiports.
Sergio Colella, SITA’s President for Europe, said in a press release, “Volocopter is in pole position to make electric air taxis a reality, benefiting from its first-mover advantage.”
In April 2023, Skyway, a prominent urban air traffic management (UATM) center, and air traffic navigation provider, collaborated with Skyportz, a Melbourne-based company that specializes in securing diverse vertiport development locations. This collaboration aims to drive UAM expansion in Australia, offering comprehensive vertiport planning, development, and management systems while creating a strong foundation for the evolving UAM industry.
In April 2023, Kookiejar, a Swedish UAM company, and AirQual Technologies formed a partnership to create an emergency dispatching system for Kookiejar's Vertiport Operations Management Centre. AirQual's platform, AWARENET, would be leveraged in the partnership. The platform manages various stakeholders during incidents, enhancing response times and event management through time-critical information exchange, thereby reducing voice communication airtime.
In June 2023, SkyDrive, a Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, partnered with Thales, a French multinational IT company. The strategic partnership aims to integrate Thales's FlytRise flight control system into SkyDrive’s upcoming three-seat and zero-emission eVTOL aircraft, SKYDRIVE. This collaboration aims to enhance the safety and sustainability of urban air mobility.
In August 2023, Archer Aviation secured a substantial $215 million equity investment from prominent industry players, including Stellantis, Boeing, United Airlines, and ARK Invest, augmenting its total funding to over $1.1 billion. Archer obtained FAA approval for test flights of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft and has settled disputes with Boeing and Wisk through an autonomous flight collaboration. In addition, Archer is set to complete the initial eVTOL delivery to a Department of Defense (DoD) customer, not revealed in the public domain.
While there are obstacles to navigate, the prospect of taking urban mobility commutes to the skies represents a remarkable leap forward in the evolution of transportation. This advancement could end gridlocked traffic and transform urban cities into bustling hubs of innovation and mobility.
Moreover, collaborative endeavors involving UAM platform manufacturers, infrastructure developers, and operators are expected to play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector.
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