A new case study on the potential for advanced air mobility (AAM) modes in the Canadian city of Vancouver shows a $2.1 billion contribution to the economy of the greater metropolitan area, not including the $2 billion value for the AAM business itself. Presented this week during the Vertical Flight Society’s Electrical VTOL Symposium by Michael Dyment, managing partner of U.S.-based consultancy Nexa Advisors, the study also projects a high level of return for investors in a market that already accounts for some $150 million a year in revenues for helicopter and seaplane operators into and around the Pacific coast city.
Characterizing Vancouver as a “water city,” Dyment stressed the importance to commerce of the 54 heliports in the area as well as the proximity of high-voltage power lines to facilities that require charging stations. The study analyzed six cases for advanced air mobility operations ranging from on-demand air taxi to medical transport as well as five drone applications.
