
The drive toward a widespread expansion of so-called urban air mobility (UAM) is gaining momentum worldwide, powered mainly by hype for the time being. Start-up companies are vying with established aerospace players to be at the vanguard of early adoption of new aircraft designs that they say can transform the availability of air transportation, not only within urban areas but also by connecting conurbations—and in rural areas, as well.
There are now anywhere between 150 and 200 new aircraft programs at various stages of development, ranging from pipe dreams to within sight of service entry. Many of these aircraft are harnessing electrical power in a bid to be more environmentally and economically sustainable, with multiple electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft taking shape. Other programs are looking beyond electricity to alternative energy sources such as hydrogen fuel cells.