The advent of advanced air mobility (AAM) is set to revolutionise the transportation of passengers and goods. ICAO’s Council President, Mr. Salvatore Sciarchitano, emphasised in his opening speech at the Advanced Air Mobility Symposium in Montreal, Canada, that the AAM ecosystem represents more than just a collection of technologies; it signifies a paradigm shift in how we conceive aviation and urban transport.
As the aviation world contemplates the implications of this advancement and how to integrate it safely and seamlessly into our daily lives, it becomes clear that this sector is poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities. Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and innovative airspace integration solutions are set to redefine urban and regional mobility. However, the journey towards a fully realised AAM ecosystem is complex and challenging, requiring significant advancements in technology, regulation, and public acceptance.The AAM ecosystem represents more than just a collection of technologies; it signifies a paradigm shift in how we conceive aviation and urban transport.
Several companies are already making significant strides in the AAM space. Joby Aviation has successfully completed over 1,000 test flights of its eVTOL aircraft, demonstrating the viability of electric air taxis for urban environments. Their aircraft promises to reduce travel time and emissions, offering a glimpse into a more efficient future of urban transportation. Joby’s commitment to safety and performance has earned it partnerships with major players like Toyota, further solidifying its market position.
Volocopter has conducted public test flights in major cities like Singapore and Paris and its approach includes developing a comprehensive ecosystem that encompasses not only the aircraft but also the necessary infrastructure, such as vertiports and maintenance facilities.
In China, EHang is leading the way with its autonomous aerial vehicles. EHang’s EH216-S, a pilotless eVTOL, has received type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, making it the first eVTOL certified for passenger-carrying commercial operations. These vehicles are being tested for urban air taxi services, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and provide efficient transportation in densely populated cities.
In cities like Shenzhen, drone delivery has become a part of daily life. Companies like Meituan operate drone delivery services that transport food and beverages between skyscrapers to designated kiosks. Customers can order via an app, and drones deliver the items to nearby pickup points, demonstrating the efficiencies of operating in dense urban environments.
Despite these successes, the path to realising the full potential of AAM is fraught with challenges. Lilium, another key player in the AAM space, is currently facing substantial financial hurdles. Despite its innovative approach to eVTOL aircraft, Lilium has struggled with funding, leading to insolvency proceedings and potential delisting from the Nasdaq.
What’s needed to keep the progression flowing, is a unified regulatory framework to accommodate these new technologies while ensuring safety and security. The current regulatory environment is often fragmented, with different countries and regions adopting varying standards and practices. This lack of harmonisation can slow down the deployment of AAM solutions and create barriers to international operations.
Additionally, infrastructure development, such as vertiports and charging stations, requires significant investment and coordination among stakeholders. Public acceptance and trust in these new modes of transportation are also crucial for widespread adoption, necessitating robust safety records and transparent communication from AAM companies.
Economic and Environmental Impacts
The economic and environmental impact of AAM is another important consideration. AAM has the potential to create new economic opportunities, particularly in urban areas where congestion and limited transportation options can hinder growth. By providing faster and more efficient transportation, AAM can enhance productivity and connectivity, supporting economic development and job creation.
Public perception and acceptance are crucial for the success of AAM. Building trust in new transportation technologies requires transparent communication, robust safety records, and positive user experiences. Education and outreach efforts can help to familiarise the public with AAM technologies and their potential advantages. Demonstration flights, public trials, and partnerships with local governments can showcase the capabilities of eVTOLs and other AAM solutions, building confidence and support.
Many states have been working on their AAM strategy in earnest. The United Arab Emirates is a leader in the AAM sphere and is positioning itself as a hub for advanced air mobility in the Middle East, with ambitious plans by both Dubai and Abu Dhabi to launch UAM services by 2026. They have identified launch partners, including operators, OEMs, and infrastructure providers, and have selected routes and vertiport locations.
Abu Dhabi is developing the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster in Masdar City, adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport. This cluster will provide eVTOL startups with access to academia, research labs, testing facilities, and manufacturing capabilities.
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) recently hosted a groundbreaking three-week trial for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries. This initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Jeebly LLC, and Skye Air Mobility.
The trials took place at the Dubai Experimental Zone in DSO, which serves as a real-world testbed for developing, evaluating, and demonstrating robotics and autonomous systems.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also making significant strides in the AAM sector, driven by its Vision 2030 initiative. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is leading the AAM initiative in Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish the country as a leader in the Middle East. The initiative encompasses a range of solutions, from small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to larger vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
Saudi Arabia has successfully conducted its first trial of eVTOL flights in Mecca, setting the stage for deployment in the coming years and transforming Hajj transportation for pilgrims.
Saudi Group recently placed a significant order for up to 100 eVTOL aircraft from Lilium, and Flynas signed an MoU with Eve Air to explore starting eVTOL services in Riyadh and Jeddah in 2026.
While the journey towards fully realised advanced air mobility is complex and challenging, the potential benefits are immense and in order to succeed, there is a strong need for continued collaboration between all stakeholders from government and private sectors, further innovations and technological advances, and a harmonised global approach that ensures safety while encouraging creativity.
With decades of experience managing complex transportation systems and navigating the unique demands of the aviation sector, Serco brings a strong foundation in air traffic management and regulatory understanding—key to integrating emerging AAM technologies like eVTOLs and unmanned aircraft systems into existing airspace. Our commitment to training skilled personnel ensures a workforce ready for the challenges of AAM operations. This blend of operational expertise, regulatory insight, and workforce development positions Serco as a valuable partner in advancing AAM solutions to redefine urban and mobility to impact a better a better future in the region.