According to a recent report by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and global consulting firm Deloitte, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) with its Passenger Drones, Air Taxis and Cargo Shuttles is undoubtedly the next disruption in aerospace in the U.S. It is predicted to become mainstream in the 2030’s with 280,000 new jobs and a market that can reach $115 billion have been predicted by 2035, which means that aerospace and defense (A&D) companies are situated to lead the developing global industry.
The possible economic and national security benefits of adopting this advanced method of transportation is addressed by this report as it provides a framework to guide such U.S. efforts.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) companies have received major investment and have experienced impressive growth in trial projects, such as aerial sightseeing and high-rise apartment building firefighting in the last year.
AAM plans to transform transport people and goods through community-friendly and cost-effective electric-powered air taxis and cargo shuttles. Such a transformation means that electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will be deployed in both rural and urban areas in the U.S., as well as other countries.
Although AAM is providing transportation that is more environmentally friendly that relieves road congestion, so far, the vast majority of trial projects have occurred outside of the U.S.
Eric Fanning, AIA President and CEO, explained:
“Our industry is on the cusp of the next great step in aviation technology. By establishing a national strategy in AAM, we have the potential to give the U.S. a major competitive advantage in the global market and realize new national security benefits, including new ways to transport our troops and cargo. U.S. leadership in this emerging aviation technology is essential to bolstering our economy and innovation within America.”*
The global consulting firm Deloitte states that in the high stakes race “the global race for AAM leadership is intensifying, and the U.S. faces strong competition from China, Germany and South Korea.”* This means that in order to compete, the U.S. will need to accommodate AAM trials and develop the needed infrastructure and regulations in the near future.
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the most respected brands in the world, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 7,000 private companies.
According to Robin Lineberger, Deloitte Global and U.S. A&D leader:
“The deployment of AAM will require a sustained, collaborative approach between the private and public sectors to push for eVTOL aircraft to be widely accepted and adopted, sooner rather than later. With the market poised to grow sevenfold between 2025 and 2035, it’s important for U.S. policymakers and industries to cooperate now to ensure American leadership in this transformative emerging sector.”*
Cooperation between the private and public sectors seem to be essential for such development.
The report offers insights into how the U.S. can achieve and sustain a leadership position in AAM and provides the following recommendations — three major focus areas — on how to fill the current gaps:
- “Creating a clear and conducive policy environment that fosters public-private partnerships, streamlines vehicle testing and certification, and seamlessly integrates AAM into the existing airspace system.
- Leading in key technologies and capabilities by focusing R&D in key areas, including developing advanced battery/energy density, artificial intelligence and 5G technologies, and developing the right engineering talent for the future here at home.
- Developing and scaling the market with U.S. government investments and support to help build physical infrastructure such as vertiports or retrofit existing aerospace infrastructure and position the industry for exports.”*
This study concludes by making the point that a mix of balanced regulation and substantial investment in research, advanced technologies, physical infrastructure and talent is required if the U.S. is to be situated and ready to lead in this new aerospace market.
Future
The possible economic and national security benefits of adopting Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), this advanced method of transportation — the next disruption — is nothing less than amazing. The future is bright for those who are ready to take advantage of a market that is predicted to provide 280,000 new jobs and reach $115 billion by 2035
