Fasten your seatbelt. A new era is dawning: The age of electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, or "air taxis," is on the horizon, and it's set to transform the world as we know it.
Known as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), VTOL aircraft promise new ways to travel within and between cities. These sleek, battery-powered, highly automated marvels are more than just a glimpse of the future—they’re about to redefine it.
At the forefront of this airborne revolution is the UAE, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai leading the charge on a global scale. These cities are not just embracing the future; they’re shaping it. With strong backing from the UAE, companies like Archer and Joby Aviation are racing to commercialise their cutting-edge services.
Get ready—here’s a glimpse of how cities will evolve in the age of air taxis:
#1. Decongested urban centres
By offering rapid, direct point-to-point travel, VTOLs can significantly reduce road traffic congestion, improving air quality and reducing noise pollution. UAE leads the eVTOL push: Joby Aviation recently announced it will launch commercial air taxi flights in Dubai by late 2025 with its aircraft.
#2. Expanded urban boundaries
eVTOLs can extend the effective reach of cities, making previously inaccessible areas more viable for residential and commercial development. This will create an entirely new industry, with thousands of new jobs created as cities expand and people travel swiftly above ground obstacles.
California-based Archer has announced establishing its international headquarters in Abu Dhabi city. The aim: develop an investment framework to accelerate the manufacturing and operation of its 'Midnight' aircraft in the UAE.
#3. New urban infrastructure
Dedicated vertiports will become essential for VTOL operations, requiring new infrastructure and zoning regulations. These could be integrated into existing buildings or constructed as standalone facilities.
Early operations will resemble those of helicopters today: take off in helicopter mode, transition into aeroplane mode for drone-over-skyline flying, and then transition back to helicopter mode for landing. As AAM operations grow, dedicated corridors and specific air traffic control communication rules need to be developed.
#4. Revamped public transportation
eVTOLs can complement existing public transportation systems, offering faster and more flexible options for commuters. This could lead to a shift in how people perceive and use public transit.
As things stand today, these aircraft – often powered by batteries, hybrid electric or hydrogen fuel cells – will operate at cruising altitudes of 2,000 feet (about 610 metres), with flight durations ranging from 10 to 30 minutes.
#5. Aerial delivery services
VTOLs can be used for efficient and rapid delivery of goods, from packages to groceries, reducing delivery times and traffic congestion.
Regulators and industry leaders are collaborating to ensure these next-generation air taxis maintain the high safety standards of today's commercial aviation. In May 2023, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) updated its blueprint for AAM operations in urban areas.
#6. New urban planning solution
City planners will need to adapt to the new dimension of aerial transportation. This could lead to innovative urban designs that prioritise air travel and optimise land use.
Urban planners will need to revise zoning laws to accommodate vertiports in different parts of the city. These include regulations for aerial corridors, airspace management, and safety considerations for areas surrounding these facilities.
#7. Job creation and economic growth
The development and operation of VTOL services will create new jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, piloting, air traffic control, and related industries, stimulating economic growth.
According to industry reports, the eVTOL market could create around 300,000 to 500,000 jobs globally by 2030. These jobs will span various sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, operations, infrastructure development, and air traffic management.
#8. Beyond air taxis
eVTOL aircraft could revolutionise not only passenger transport but also cargo delivery, firefighting, search and rescue operations, and connecting underserved rural communities.
Their ability to take off and land vertically allows them to bypass traffic and other obstacles, reaching an emergency zone faster. They can be equipped with fire retardant dispensers to perform targeted aerial water drops. Their agility and ability to hover in place allow for precise delivery of water or fire retardants directly onto hotspots, increasing the effectiveness of each drop.
Timeline:
August 2022: Rules governing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) or VTOL aircraft operations, with manufacturers anticipating no delays in certification.
September 2022: The FAA issued vertiport design standards, laying the groundwork for infrastructure development in this new era.
May 2023: The FAA updated its blueprint for AAM operations in urban areas. It has also released the “Innovate28” implementation plan, outlining the steps needed to enable advanced air mobility operations by 2028 at scale in one or more sites.
June 2023: The FAA proposed rules for training and certifying pilots.
July 2023: The FAA updated regulations to include "powered-lift" operations in commercial activities like airlines and air tours.
