AeroTime is pleased to partner with Lufthansa Innovation Hub’s TNMT newsletter to feature guest content on our website. This collaboration aims to regularly deliver insightful articles and analyses, focusing on the latest advancements and trends in the aviation industry. Article written by Siddhant Mehra.
Lufthansa Innovation Hub, in collaboration with V2AIR, Roland Berger, and Unisphere, has released a comprehensive report identifying the most viable global cities for launching Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations. The study focuses on 42 cities across the United States and Europe, providing crucial insights for AAM operators, city officials, and other stakeholders on optimal launch regions. This report is the first in a two-part series, with the second report addressing the demand side set to release later in 2024.
Strategic Insights and Recommendations
The report emphasizes a “Route-First Strategy,” advocating for close collaboration with regulatory bodies, operators, ecosystem participants, and the community to tailor AAM operations to specific urban contexts. Advanced Air Mobility, which includes electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicles (eVTOLs), electric Short Takeoff and Landing vehicles (eSTOLs), and electric Conventional Takeoff and Landing vehicles (eCTOLs), aims to revolutionize urban and regional connectivity with innovative aircraft technologies.
Key Findings
The study highlights several critical factors for the viability and feasibility of AAM operations:
- Terrain Suitability: Orlando, Amsterdam, and Charlotte stand out for their favorable terrain, characterized by lower vertical ascents and descents, leading to reduced energy consumption for AAM aircraft.
- Airspace Environment: Vienna, Monaco, and Dublin offer the most favorable airspace conditions, with effective route planning around restricted military airspace, ensuring minimal operational constraints.
- Local Government Support: Los Angeles, Miami, and Paris excel in securing local government support, pivotal for advancing AAM operations through strategic partnerships, public funding, and pilot projects.
- Weather Conditions: San Diego, Los Angeles, and Miami boast the most favorable weather conditions, maintaining excellent or moderate weather for over 95% of the year, enhancing service availability and profitability for AAM operations.
- Infrastructure and Congestion: Marseille and Stuttgart lead in area-specific viability due to advanced infrastructure, significant ground congestion, and premium market conditions, making them standout candidates for AAM initiatives.
- Time Savings: Charlotte, Orlando, and Rome emerge as top cities from a time savings perspective, especially significant in cities with high traffic congestion and inadequate public transportation infrastructure.
The report provides a detailed analysis of each city’s operational challenges and opportunities for AAM operations, offering a clear framework to support strategic decision-making for AAM stakeholders. By addressing critical areas such as strategic route selection, regulatory collaboration, and community engagement, the study aims to guide stakeholders through the effective implementation of AAM operations, paving the way for growth and innovation in the field of advanced air mobility.
To read the full report, follow the link
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