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

Advanced air mobility is one of the most disruptive trends in transport 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 transport model that envisions the use of next-generation systems — such as electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) — to move people and goods quickly, safely and sustainably.

In the US, organisations 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 transport 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 transport 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 take-off 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 transport system.

Advanced air mobility is also gaining momentum in China. The country is rapidly advancing the development of eVTOLs and related technologies, supported by favourable 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 transport. The logistics, pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in particular stand to benefit from these technologies. They could optimise 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 take-offs 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 transport.
• 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 transport and improving quality of life in connected cities and regions.

Advanced air mobility in freight transport

Traditional transport 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 transport.

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 transport

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 transport costs for both companies and consumers.

Replacing ground vehicles with electric aircraft lowers the carbon footprint, contributing to a more environmentally friendly transport 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 transport 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 transport, 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.