The Future of Advanced Aerial Mobility
Executive Summary
Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM) is a future transport enabled by electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft flying from existing airports, rural locations, and new inner-city bases.
The VA-X4, engineered by the UK’s Vertical Aerospace, is a first-generation AAM aircraft. It carries four passengers and one pilot on intercity journeys at prices comparable to rail or taxi fares. AAM will deliver huge economic benefits and improve British lives. Journeys won’t just become cheaper; they’ll become easier, more direct, and cleaner. Stronger connections will help level up Britain, bringing cities and people closer. Productivity will rise. Transport congestion will ease. The air taxi market is forecast to become a multi-billion-pound industry, and the UK Government predicts it will lift GDP by 1.8% by 2030.
The UK is a world leader in AAM and has the chance to build on that lead. The UK can reclaim its position as an end-to-end designer and manufacturer of commercial aircraft. AAM is a high-tech, high-skill industry with enormous export potential. 88% of our current aerospace jobs are located beyond London and the southeast – a truly nationwide opportunity
Leading aviation industry players and emerging AAM pioneers are collaborating, establishing a UK ecosystem that will realize this new mode of transport – and the socio-economic progress it brings. Stakeholders include Virgin Atlantic, Heathrow, NATS, and new entrants like Skyports. All are developing novel infrastructure and services for this growing industry.
This whitepaper introduces AAM. It is a statement of intent outlining how commercial eVTOL services will manifest in the UK. It is for airlines, aerospace manufacturers, start-ups, investors, infrastructure providers, and policymakers. We’d rather talk than write. It’s here to engage and spark conversations. Here are the key topics we cover:
• AAM is becoming a reality – faster than many expect. The past few years have seen a rapid acceleration in investment and significant vehicle certification progress
• AAM success depends on a partner ecosystem with a common goal – one single entity won’t make it happen
• The UK is well-placed to be a leading developer and adopter of AAM technologies and products; we have a sizable domestic market, and all the ecosystem partners
We also highlight the challenges to overcome:
• A lack of government direction on the ambition for AAM risks leading to over complex or fragmented regulation and policymaking
• Suitable infrastructure locations (in quality and quantity; both urban and rural) must be made available near passenger demand
• Existing airspace management frameworks must evolve intelligently for the safe incorporation of eVTOL aircraft
• The British public must be brought along as this new mode of transport takes off
Vertical Aerospace is looking forward to collaborating with emerging private sector partners and UK public authorities to surmount any obstacles. The lessons learned and successes in Britain will become the roadmap for similar ecosystems worldwide.
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