The latest analysis of eVTOL-focused advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure programmes, the Worldwide AAM/UAM Routes and Programmes Guide from Unmanned Publications, has identified 284 eVTOL-based infrastructure development and route-planning programmes underway around the world by cities and regions, in 66 countries.
This is an increase of nine in the past six months – but the overall totals hide a dramatic change in the geographic spread of AAM infrastructure investment.
“The big picture is that the USA has now overtaken China in AAM ecosystem planning and development, measured by the number of eVTOL projects underway involving more than one vertiport,” said Philip Butterworth-Hayes, author of the Guide. “In the critical first phase of vertiport/UTM deployments – 2026/2027 – there are now 11 separate AAM ecosystems currently being built in the USA, against eight in China. In the USA most of these networks are being built around aviation facilities in contrast to China, which is building vertiports from new. US networks are developing around the concept of scheduled services while in China many of these first projects will be tourist flights, taking off and landing at the same vertiport. China is also integrating long-range cargo drone routes in most of its city-based networks and investment plans and many of these outline plans do not specify whether take-off and landing areas will be dedicated to freight, passengers or both.”
Currently there are 24 separate AAM ecosystems under construction or already built, ready for the first eVTOL services in the 2026/2027 timeframe, according to the research analysis. Exact launch dates will depend, as ever, on the full certification of aircraft, operators and infrastructure. The average length of these first routes is around 20km.
The Worldwide AAM/UAM Routes and Programmes Guide lists the routes, the route-lengths, the key industry players from eVTOL and vertiport manufacturers to local authority partners, the programmes which are clearly defined and funded, to speculative, over-the horizon opportunities. It identifies cities where competing networks are being planned and countries where outline plans have been developed and opportunities exist for AAM infrastructure providers.
“In the USA eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) in parallel with state- and industry-led network developments have over the past six months accelerated plans for vertiport developments there,” said Philip Butterworth-Hayes. “In contrast, the number of AAM infrastructure projects being planned in Europe has declined over the past six months from 77 to 75, with no eVTOL network now expected to be operating before 2028, or more probably 2029. While six vertiport-based networks are currently being built in the Middle East – and the first vertiport in the region has now been completed at Dubai International Airport – the recent closure of airspace and distribution to supply chains has led to some delays in launch eVTOL services planned for earlier this year.”
Between 2027 and 2030 the number of ecosystem projects rises to 64, with several cities – including Bengaluru, Osaka, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco – hosting competing networks. The report predicts both Brazil and India will be increasingly important markets for all sectors of the AAM market during this timeframe, with 13 cities in Brazil and eight in India planning to host AAM services in 2030, while Europe is likely to have just a single AAM network in operation by the same date: the UK’s Vertical Aerospace/Skyports/Bristow consortium’s eVTOL hub at London’s Canary Wharf with services to Heathrow, Gatwick, Cambridge and Oxford.
“All the forecasts are based on the estimated entry-into-service date of eVTOL manufacturers so there are bound to be some delays to this roll-out, probably compounded by further regulatory delays,” said Philip Butterworth-Hayes. But this work shows is that there is a potential for 88 AAM ecosystems to be operating worldwide by 2031.”
| A unique view of the advanced air mobility ecosystem market
The Worldwide AAM/UAM Routes and Programmes Guide is aimed at advanced air mobility industry OEMs and supply chain partners, transport planners, finance companies, consultants and local authorities who need a detailed understanding of what programmes are underway around the world and the market opportunities that exist within and beyond these programmes. It provides a unique guide to competitive industry information, global/regional market size and trend analysis and seeks to address the following questions: · What AAM/UAM routes will be launched in the next few years – intra-urban, suburban and regional? · What countries have developed strategic AAM/UAM plans and where are the best opportunities for new business? · When will the services be launched and how long will the routes be? · What are the critical partnerships between local authorities, manufacturers and operators pioneering new services? · What cities are in the early stages of planning? Using a network of global industry specialists, the Worldwide AAM/UAM Routes and Programmes report details over-the-horizon strategic programmes which are in the very early planning stages to more detailed near-term plans for operational launches within the next two to three years. The 550 page Guide gives details on plans to develop passenger AAM/UAM services in 66 countries and 285 cities/regions, with timelines and descriptions along with details on industry participation, broken down into the following areas: · Cities and routes (with route lengths) · eVTOL manufacturer · Electric fixed wing platform manufacturer · AAM/UAM aircraft operators · AAM/UAM training · AAM/UAM aircraft operator maintenance and support · AAM/UAM aircraft charging and power supplies · Vertiport/airport developer/operator · Vertiport/airport safety and security · Airspace integration · Local authority partner/client · Others The Worldwide AAM/UAM Routes and Programmes Guide can be purchased $2,590.00 for an annual subscription which gives a 365-day access to the regularly-updated Guide. For more information please contact the editor at Philip@unmannedairspace.info |
For more information
https://www.globalairmobilitymarket.com/worldwide-routes-and-programmes2/
(Image: VOLANT)