Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

AAM is a new frontier in transportation, offering a practical solution to the challenges of urban congestion. The concept of flying over traffic-clogged streets, once a distant dream, is now becoming a reality. Modern aircraft, often referred to as “air taxis,” are set to transport passengers and goods safely and efficiently across urban, regional, and rural landscapes. This innovation promises to connect airports with city centers and link remote regions with urban hubs, potentially transforming the current urban mobility landscape.

However, the successful implementation of AAM depends on the development of a robust and comprehensive ecosystem. In collaboration with our subsidiary amd.sigma Strategic Airport Development GmbH and other international partners, we are actively involved in developing this ecosystem globally.

AAM encompasses a new paradigm of mobility, including:

As leaders in the development of airport infrastructure, we are committed to advancing AAM as a sustainable and efficient solution for the future of mobility.

Download your free comprehensive AAM whitepaper! 

As AAM evolves, Vertiports are emerging as the essential ground infrastructure for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These hubs, varying in size to meet different operational needs - ranging from Vertistops (smaller, limited service points) to Vertihubs (larger, comprehensive service centers) - are meticulously designed to support the unique requirements of eVTOL operations, encompassing several critical components:

• Final Approach and Take-Off Area (FATO): A designated area where eVTOLs execute their final approach to a hover or landing and initiate their take-off maneuver, ensuring precision and safety during these critical phases.
  
  
• Touchdown and Lift-Off Area (TLOF): The specific location where eVTOLs touch down and lift off, engineered to accommodate the demands of vertical flight.
  
  
• Taxiways and Taxi Routes: Pathways that guide eVTOLs to and from their stands, ensuring efficient ground movement within the Vertiport.
  
  
• Aircraft Stands: Designated areas for parking, loading, unloading, and preparing eVTOLs for their next flight.
  
  
• Charging Infrastructure: Essential facilities for charging of the eVTOL.
  
  
• Vertiport Operations Facilities: Areas dedicated to managing and overseeing vertiport operations, including passenger services, air traffic control, and maintenance – either directly at the vertiport or remote in a vertiport operations control center.

Download your free comprehensive AAM Whitepaper!

Vertiports are ideally integrated into a mobility landscape close to other transportation options, such as airports, bus stops, train stations or car parks, to ensure swift intermodal connections.

For AAM to achieve commercial viability, Vertiport infrastructure must be strategically implemented in various locations:

• Airports: Integrating Vertiports into existing airport infrastructure presents a complex challenge. It requires a comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements, strategic planning, and operational logistics. Successfully incorporating Vertiports into large airports will streamline passenger transfers between
  
  
• Urban Environment: Vertiports in urban settings will play a crucial role in reducing congestion and providing rapid transit options within cities and business districts. These hubs can be strategically located in innovation parks, shopping centers, large company campuses, and harbors, blending seamlessly into the landscape and providing convenient access for both public and business travelers.

The integration of Vertiports, particularly within major airports and urban environment, demands a holistic approach. It involves navigating a complex web of regulatory frameworks, strategic considerations, and operational challenges. With the right expertise and planning, Vertiports will become pivotal components of the transportation networks of the future, enabling efficient and sustainable urban air mobility solutions.

Region: Bavaria, Germany 

Project Scope:
During the last years a competence cluster for Advanced Air Mobility has developed in Bavaria. Among others, four well-known eVTOL manufacturers are located in Bavaria. Accordingly, there is a high level of interest from several parties in establishing an ecosystem in Bavaria and connecting Munich Airport by means of the Airport Shuttle Use Case.

Region: Americas

Project Scope:
High utilization of mobility systems, especially in urban areas, creates a need for new mobility concepts. Economic upswing, technological progress and growing ecological awareness are opening up opportunities for the emergence of a market for (electric) advanced air mobility in the relevant country. Following an initial market survey by the client, the opportunities for advanced air mobility in the relevant country are now to be assessed on a strategic level. MAI has conducted a preliminary analysis and leading discussions on which opportunities are there for AAM and how a potential way forward might look like. 

Region: Europe

Project Scope: 
MAI/amd.sigma was tasked with analyzing the potential of Essen-Mülheim Airport, aiming to highlight its current value and future growth opportunities. The approach involved examining the airport's infrastructure, market dynamics, and stakeholder perspectives to develop a customized roadmap for its sustained success. Through an in-depth analysis of passenger trends, cargo movements, and regional economic factors, areas for potential expansion and diversification were identified. Drawing upon data from assessments and stakeholder inputs, a tailored development concept to optimize the airport's growth trajectory was crafted. Central to the analysis was the integration of a vertiport, aligning with Urban Air Mobility (UAM) trends. This strategic addition not only enhances the airport's connectivity but also positions it as a key player in shaping the future of aerial mobility in the region and through this driving innovation.