Advanced air mobility takes off: Redefining the future of transport

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is an emerging aviation industry that uses highly automated, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to transport passengers and cargo, primarily in urban and regional environments.

By leveraging new propulsion technologies and automation, AAM aims to create safe, quiet, and sustainable transportation solutions. It encompasses urban air mobility, cargo delivery, and public services, with significant economic growth and job creation projected by 2035.

AAM seeks to revolutionise transportation by improving connectivity, sustainability, and efficiency. Industry estimates suggest economic benefits of over $115 billion annually in the United States alone by 2035, underscoring the scale of opportunity the sector represents.

Research led by NASA is expected to transform communities by enabling on-demand movement of people and goods at low altitudes.

This future air transportation system will include passenger transport, cargo delivery, and public service operations. NASA is providing critical data to guide industry development and to assist regulators in safely integrating electric air taxis and drones into national airspace, setting the stage for commercial growth by 2030.

These initiatives lay the groundwork for coordinated industry progress, highlighting the importance of stakeholder alignment, robust deployment models, and visible public benefits as AAM scales.

Manufacturers are also accelerating efforts to bring AAM to market. Airbus is working closely with authorities worldwide to develop policies and safety standards for responsible deployment.

The company is focused on ecosystem readiness, including infrastructure planning and airspace integration, while collaborating with trusted partners and operators to identify viable AAM use cases that add value to communities.

The AAM industry is a rapidly evolving sector centred on highly automated eVTOL aircraft for urban and regional transport.

The global market is projected to reach approximately $114.5 billion by 2034, driven by demand for faster, more sustainable, and convenient mobility solutions. Commercial operations are expected to gain momentum through 2026.

Market analysts estimate the global AAM sector will grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 25 per cent from 2025 to 2034, starting from an estimated $15.6 billion in 2024.

Key adoption drivers include the need for efficient urban transport and lower-emission mobility alternatives.

AAM relies on advanced electric propulsion systems designed for quiet and efficient operation. Infrastructure development, particularly vertiports for take-off, landing, and charging, remains critical. Regulatory bodies are working to streamline environmental reviews and approval processes to accelerate deployment.

The sector is highly competitive, featuring established aerospace firms alongside emerging startups. Major players include Boeing and Airbus, as well as Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Lilium, Volocopter, and Eve Air Mobility.

While full commercial maturity is unlikely by 2026, the industry is focused on meeting strict certification, safety, and operational standards. Regulators such as the Federal Aviation Administration are developing frameworks for vertiports and integrating unmanned aircraft into controlled airspace.

Early applications include passenger air taxis, airport shuttles, emergency services, and critical cargo transport, particularly connecting urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Heavy-lift cargo drones are emerging as a key segment, enabling rapid and environmentally friendly logistics in infrastructure-challenged regions.

Challenges remain. Limited battery energy density restricts range and payload, requiring further technological advances.

Customer acceptance, perceived safety, affordability, and the pace of infrastructure and digital traffic management development will ultimately determine adoption rates.

Advanced Air Mobility is entering a pivotal phase, transitioning from vision to early commercial reality. With continued progress in propulsion, autonomy, and regulation, AAM has the potential to redefine transportation by taking mobility off the ground and into the sky.

AAM leverages next-generation electric and hybrid aircraft—particularly heavy-lift cargo drones and passenger eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing)—to deliver new mobility services across urban, regional, and remote environments.

The sector’s growth is being fuelled by advances in propulsion, autonomy, and digital air traffic management, alongside rising demand for efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable transport solutions.

The global AAM market, encompassing both heavy-lift cargo drones and passenger eVTOLs, is projected to grow from $11.4 billion in 2024 to $87.8 billion by 2034.

Heavy-lift cargo drones are emerging as a transformative segment, enabling rapid, environmentally friendly logistics in regions with limited or challenging infrastructure.

Passenger eVTOLs are also nearing commercial readiness, with dozens of models in advanced testing and several major airlines placing pre-orders, signalling growing confidence in the sector’s near-term potential.