Advanced air mobility (AAM): A near-future reality?

Advanced air mobility is one of the most disruptive trends in transportation and logistics, bringing science fiction concepts closer to real life. The image of flying vehicles soaring over cities no longer feels so far-fetched. Driven by rapid technological progress, this emerging travel mode is moving beyond the realm of futuristic speculation, potentially becoming a solution to today’s mobility challenges.

In this post, we explore what advanced air mobility is and the development projects currently underway. We’ll also look at the challenges it faces and how it might be applied in industries like logistics.

What is advanced air mobility?

Advanced air mobility (AAM) is an emerging transportation model that envisions the use of next-generation systems — such as electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) — to move people and goods quickly, safely, and sustainably.

In the US, organizations like NASA are at the forefront of AAM development, working alongside public institutions and private companies. Their goal is to integrate these solutions into everyday airspace, making transportation more accessible. NASA is exploring how these aircraft should be designed and operated in real-world environments, as well as the propulsion, manufacturing, and maintenance systems needed to support them. Progress in AAM will help lay the groundwork for a more efficient and accessible advanced air mobility ecosystem.

In Europe, the term IAM (innovative air mobility) is more commonly used. This strategy aims to integrate new air transportation technologies in coordination with urban planning, environmental sustainability, and regulatory frameworks. Backed by the European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), IAM initiatives include the creation of safe air corridors, the development of infrastructure such as vertiports (dedicated spaces for vertical takeoff and landing), and a focus on gaining public acceptance as a key factor for successful implementation. IAM is seen as a catalyst for building a multimodal, smart, and connected transportation system.

Advanced air mobility is also gaining momentum in China. The country is rapidly advancing the development of eVTOLs and related technologies, supported by favorable government policies, designated test zones, and a competitive supply chain. The objective is to integrate these vehicles into large-scale urban and logistics applications.

Despite regional differences in approach, all efforts share a common goal: to promote an effective, sustainable, and scalable air mobility solution with great potential for goods transportation. The logistics, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors in particular stand to benefit from these technologies. They could optimize last-mile delivery, shorten delivery times, and improve access to remote, congested, or hard-to-reach areas.

Challenges of advanced air mobility

While AAM has the potential to transform how people and goods are transported, several challenges must be addressed to ensure the technology is viable, safe, and widely accepted:

• Infrastructure. Vertiports will need to be built in strategic locations to provide aircraft with direct, flexible access to areas that are currently unreachable by traditional modes like helicopters.
• Energy. Guaranteeing access to renewable energy and fast-charging stations for electric aircraft will be essential. This will require investment in smart grids and power storage solutions.
• Coordination. The anticipated high volume of takeoffs and landings will call for advanced automation systems and air traffic management technologies.
• Regulation. New regulatory frameworks and air traffic control systems will be needed to safely integrate AAM into national and urban airspace.
• Technologies. Electric aircraft require efficient propulsion systems and high-capacity batteries, along with reliable autonomous navigation and control systems capable of operating safely in complex urban environments.
• Costs. Manufacturing, maintenance, and operational costs must be balanced to make the model financially viable and scalable — especially for goods transportation.
• Public acceptance. For AAM and IAM to succeed, public support is crucial. This means addressing concerns related to noise, privacy, safety, and environmental impact.

Overcoming these hurdles will be critical for advanced air mobility to reach its full potential, transforming transportation and improving quality of life in connected cities and regions.

Advanced air mobility in freight transportation

Traditional transportation is increasingly challenged by urban congestion, limited access, harmful emissions, and rising demand for fast deliveries. Advanced air mobility, combined with the development of electric cargo vehicles, offers a cutting-edge solution to transform logistics and freight transportation.

AAM’s potential in logistics includes a wide range of applications, such as:

• Urgent distribution of pharmaceuticals
• Humanitarian aid logistics
• Direct-to-consumer deliveries
• Internal goods movement
• Heavy cargo transportation

Electric and autonomous aircraft can bypass ground traffic and reach hard-to-access delivery points. This makes them particularly effective in last-mile delivery, one of the most complex stages in the supply chain. Their speed and efficiency can also significantly reduce transportation costs for both companies and consumers.

Replacing ground vehicles with electric aircraft lowers the carbon footprint, contributing to a more environmentally friendly transportation model. This shift supports global climate goals and helps improve air quality.

Industries such as logistics, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare could benefit from faster, safer urgent deliveries, e.g., emergency medical transportation or supplying areas affected by natural disasters. Ultimately, AAM opens new opportunities for a more agile, sustainable, and flexible supply chain — better equipped to meet the needs of both today’s market and future demands.

Air mobility: From concept to reality

Advanced air mobility is emerging as one of the most promising technological revolutions in transportation, potentially redefining how people and goods move. While it still faces technical, regulatory, and social challenges, development is progressing rapidly, driven by governments, private companies, and research institutions worldwide. If key barriers are overcome, AAM could become an efficient, sustainable, and flexible solution to the mobility challenges of the 21st century.