Regulatory progress and UAM infrastructures
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is set to experience unstoppable development, and is expected to become a reality in Europe within 3 to 5 years.
New technologies such as electric propulsion and improved battery capacity applied to vertical take-off and landing systems make this possible.
The first commercial operations are expected to be drone delivery of goods and passenger transport, initially with a pilot on board. Remote piloting or even autonomous services could follow later.
Several pilot projects are underway and some European manufacturers have already applied for certification, including for piloted vehicles for passenger transport. Regulatory institutions are working with them on the airworthiness of the vehicles.
The EU, and within it cities as drivers and facilitators of the necessary infrastructure and the development of their services, have an important role to play in enabling this progress and thus helping the European industry to be a pioneer at a global level.