Throughout history, revolutions in transport have generated significant transformations in society. Today, we are in a period of unprecedented change in the field of mobility, with the rise of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The development of the AAM focuses on three key areas: the certification of eVTOL vehicles, the regulation of airspace and navigation systems, and the construction of infrastructure and networks of airports.
The development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) requires a comprehensive approach encompassing aircraft certification, airspace regulation and the implementation of vertiports.
The certification of eVTOLs is advancing globally, albeit at different speeds depending on the regulatory authority in each country. China has led the way with the certification of EHang's eVTOLs (autonomous vehicles), giving them a competitive advantage in this emerging market. Other companies, such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, continue to move forward with the goal of launching commercial operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in early 2026.
In Europe and the United States, EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) have reached key milestones in the certification process, laying regulatory foundations for the safe operation of eVTOLs in the coming years.
With regard to the Airspace regulation and operationsIn addition, aviation authorities are working on the development of specific regulations for the training and certification of eVTOL pilots, as well as on the design of operational protocols. Among the most relevant challenges is airspace management, ensuring the safe integration of eVTOLs into already congested urban environments. Work is also being done on the definition of U-space controlled airspace for unmanned vehicles.
The third key area for the development of MEA is the implementation of a network of ports and harboursThe new technologies, guaranteeing their integration into the Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) model.
The design and planning of these ports should consider key factors such as their number, location and size, to ensure optimal connectivity with other modes of transport and maximise effective demand.
Landfills can be classified according to various criteria, such as size, location or proximity to airports and other modes of transport. These factors determine the design, service and equipment requirements of each port.
The spillways require different installations to ensure their proper functioning:
- Infrastructure for aircraft operation.
- Passenger facilities.
- eVTOL support facilities.
Concerning the infrastructure for the operation of the aircraft different regulations have been published defining their requirements depending on the characteristics of the eVTOL to be operated in the port. The main characteristics to be considered are:
- Diameter of the smallest circle enclosing the projection of the eVTOL onto a horizontal plane.
- ODRV (Takeoff Distance Required Vertically).
- LDRV (Landing Distance Required Vertically) - Landing Distance Required Vertically.
- MTOM (Maximum Takeoff Mass) - Maximum Takeoff Weight.
- Downwash protection.
- Undercarriage Width (UCW).
These features will define the size of the FATO (Final approach and take-off area), TLOF (Touchdown and lift-off area TLOF), Safety Area, taxiways and parking positions.
Due to the nature of this transport, passenger facilities must be designed to ensure a smooth, efficient and rapid passenger flow.
The passenger facilities shall be sized according to the number of parking places available, the number of seats per eVTOL vehicle, and the aircraft turnaround time considering the short dwell time of passengers on these infrastructures.
Passengers will book their tickets mainly through the operator with a reservation system that allows for the collection of passenger data to ensure a quick and smooth check-in of passengers. Once the passenger arrives at the port, the following requirements must be taken into account:
- Drop off, as vertiports will be integrated with other modes of transport, an analysis of connections will have to be carried out to ensure minimum walking distances for passengers. In addition, parking facilities will have to be provided close to the terminal building for passengers arriving in private vehicles.
- Passenger identification, and baggage handling a check-in process using an automated, non-intrusive system to recognise and verify authorised passengers. The kiosk will check the passenger's identity and details against pre-registered information, remind the passenger of prohibited items, inform the passenger of the itinerary and advise the passenger of the boarding gate. At this stage, baggage handling will be carried out. Given the limited maximum payload of eVTOLs, the baggage process must differ from that of traditional airports. Two different baggage flows have to be considered:
- If the combined weight of passengers and baggage does not exceed the maximum payload, baggage may travel with passengers after security screening.
- If the combined weight exceeds the maximum payload, the baggage cannot be carried on the eVTOL and must be handled separately and transported by alternative means. In some cases, there may be a significant time difference between the arrival of the passenger and the arrival of their baggage. Whenever possible, baggage will be collected prior to the flight to ensure that both the passenger and their baggage arrive at the destination at approximately the same time. Alternatively, passengers can specify the destination of their baggage, allowing them to choose where they want to receive it.
- Security screening, if security screening is required, it should be non-intrusive. In addition to being screened, carry-on baggage must be weighed.
- Depending on the size of the vertiport, a comfortable and functional waiting area can be defined, taking into account the minimum waiting time for passengers. Depending on the size of the vertiport, services such as Wi-Fi, electrical charging points and other amenities should be available. Depending on the size, a small commercial area shall be provided.
- BOARDING & FLY from where passengers will board their eVTOL at the designated gate, which should be as close as possible to minimise distance and time.
- Arrivals: on disembarking, passengers will be guided through a corridor leading to the baggage reclaim area (if applicable) or to the terminal exit.
The eVTOL support facilities are necessary to ensure the maintenance and management of the vertiports, as well as the comfort of the users.
- Navigation and control system for eVTOLs:
- Meteorological information systems with special emphasis on wind. FOD identification sensors....
- Charging facilities that ensure reliable and efficient power generation and supply to ensure the shortest possible rotation time and therefore increase efficiency. The number of chargers will depend on the hourly demand and charging times of the installed equipment. The capacity of the chargers will depend on the eVTOL mix that will operate in the vertiport.
- For larger ports, the location of the EVTOL maintenance area can be envisaged.
Two centuries ago, owning a car was a luxury reserved for the few, with a driver in front and room for just one or two passengers. Today, by contrast, it is common for every family to own one or even two cars. Similarly, a hundred years ago, when commercial flights began, flying was an exclusive privilege, whereas today it is a form of transport accessible to millions of people.
The development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) follows this same evolution and requires a holistic approach encompassing aircraft certification, airspace regulation and the implementation of vertiports.
