URBAN AIR MOBILITY: A FUTURE ALTERNATIVE TO CURRENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT?

In past decades traffic congestion in cities has commonly been increasing, considerably impacting the quality of urban life both from an environmental perspective and on citizen's mental health. Today's measures set by cities aim to dissuade people from using their cars due to increasing road taxes, parking fees, and congestion, but rarely offer alternative means of transportation.

- SÉBASTIEN DEFAUW

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is increasingly being seen as a future option for affordable, rapid, and sustainable travel, addressing both congestion and environmental issues faced by modern cities. Although still in the development phase, the novel advancement in technology has triggered more than 120 start-up and aerospace companies to develop UAM vehicles known as eVTOLS (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles), all envisioning the potential of UAMs in future urban mobility.

These aircraft employ innovative new electric propulsion systems which could deliver a range of benefits. By reducing the need for journeys utilizing vehicles, UAMS could help to decrease the carbon emissions associated with travel, as well other benefits like reducing air pollution. UAMs also reduce the time spent on transport by flying in straight lines at speeds above 250km/h, directly benefiting commuters' lifestyles. Air transport could also enable the removal or reduction of road infrastructure in city centres, helping to increase citizens' quality of life by reducing noise, increasing access to green space, and more.

The leading eVTOL companies were created more than ten years ago and plan to start operations as soon as 2024. Joby Aviation is currently the leader regarding project advancement, closely followed by other companies competing in terms of their flight range, passenger capacity, and unmanned flying capabilities. In fact, Volocopter has agreed with the city of Paris to launch their first air taxi service for the 2024 Paris summer Olympic Games.