What is Urban Air Mobility?
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is the a mobility service that integrates new aerial solutions, such as eVTOLs and air taxis, into urban environments to reduce congestion and provide a more convenient transportation method. Vertiports are considered the main enablers for UAM, providing city hubs where vehicles can take off, land, and recharge. These vehicles can take off and land vertically, allowing commuters to bypass the roads and provide faster and more direct transportation.
Urban aerial mobility is increasingly contributing to sustainable mobility within cities This article examines the current state of UAM and explores how the broader concept of ‘sustainability’ is being applied. It also identifies specific indicators to better measure UAM’s sustainability.
With technology advancing fast and governments and private companies showing interest, UAM will change the way we move in cities. Companies such as Airbus and Joby Aviation are already moving forward with UAM, aiming to connect people in a safer and more convenience within urban environments.
Considerations to Achieve Sustainable UAM
In order to achieve the sustainable aspiration of UAM within the urban environment, several aspects and considerations need to be taken into account. Here are the main considerations for achieving sustainable air mobility in urban environments
- Infrastructure development: A UAM infrastructure is crucial. This means vertiports (landing and take-off sites for eVTOLs), maintenance facilities, charging stations and integration with existing ground transport. Building the infrastructure requires collaboration between urban planners, governments and private sector to make sure it’s safe and in the right places for maximum convenience.
- Environmental considerations: Sustainability is at the heart of UAM, with electric propulsion in eVTOLs aiming to reduce noise and emissions compared to traditional aircraft. However, the environmental impact goes beyond the aircraft themselves. The energy used to charge them and the materials used to build them need to be considered. Policies that promote renewable energy for charging infrastructure and sustainable manufacturing can help mitigate this.
- Public acceptance and stakeholder engagement: Public acceptance will be key to UAM’s success. Noise, safety and privacy concerns need to be addressed through open communication and community engagement. Stakeholder engagement, including local government, business and residents is critical to building trust and acceptance. Demonstration flights, public consultations and education campaigns can help people get to know and understand UAM.
- Integration with existing transport systems: For UAM to be part of urban transport, we need to integrate with existing systems, such as public transport, ride-sharing and traditional aviation. This means synchronizing schedules, ticketing and route planning across different modes of transport to create a seamless and efficient user experience. Data sharing between service providers can also help with traffic management and safety.
- Policy development: The regulatory framework for UAM is still to be defined and comprehensive policies need to be established for safety, airspace management and operational standards. These policies will cover areas such as pilot certification, vehicle maintenance, noise restrictions and airspace allocation. Harmonizing regulations across regions and countries can also help with international UAM operations and speed up adoption.
- Innovation in traffic management: As UAM adds a new layer of air traffic in urban areas, advanced traffic management systems will be needed to prevent congestion and ensure safety. This means developing Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems that use artificial intelligence and data analytics to optimize flight paths and talk to traditional air traffic control. Continuous monitoring and dynamic adjustment of airspace use will be required to accommodate fluctuating demand.
- UAM Specific Indicators: In addition to the existing Sustainable Urban Mobility Indicators (SUMIs), we need UAM specific metrics. These indicators can measure energy consumption, noise, service accessibility and economic impact to give a full picture of UAM’s sustainability. By setting clear targets, stakeholders can measure progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Social, Environmental and Economic Sustainability in Operations: The concept of operations for UAM should not only cover the technical and logistical aspects but also the broader social, environmental and economic impact. This means designing UAM services that are affordable, accessible and environmentally friendly, as well as creating economic opportunities through job creation and innovation.
Urban Air Mobility Adoption in the Middle East
There are a few countries across the world leading the way in the planning and development of UAM. In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of UAM implementation.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE is a UAM pioneer, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the charge. Dubai plans to launch air taxis by 2025 with Skyports, RTA and Joby Aviation to develop the infrastructure and regulations for the service. Abu Dhabi is also very active in UAM through its Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster, which includes partnerships with Archer and Joby. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with Groupe ADP to develop Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ground infrastructure to support the region’s UAM ambitions.
- Saudi Arabia (KSA): Saudi Arabia has also jumped on the UAM bandwagon with the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative, which outlines a roadmap for integrating aerial mobility into the country’s transportation network. The initiative will establish timelines for each development stage, from testing to commercial deployment, so Saudi Arabia can be a major player in the global UAM landscape.
The Future of Aerial Mobility
Aerial Mobility can change city transportation forever. It’s a solution to urban congestion and connectivity. However, the road to sustainable UAM is tough and will require coordination from governments, industry and members of the public. By addressing infrastructure, environment, public acceptance, policy and traffic management innovations, UAM can be a viable and sustainable mode of transportation for the future.
As the UAE and Saudi Arabia accelerate their UAM projects, the rest of the world is watching. These will be the benchmark for other regions to follow. Success will depend on how well they manage the different aspects and can adapt to new technologies and societal demands.
