UKRI report examines market potential for AAM routes across UK

Nov 11, 2022 - 1:31 pm

A report commissioned by the Future Flight challenge at UK Research and Innovation has examined the viability of 20 potential advanced air mobility routes across the UK.

In total 14 electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft and 6 electric vertical take-off (eVTOL) routes were assessed.

Using a range of data sources and a bespoke AAM demand model, EA Maven determined the number of passengers who could switch from traditional road and rail modes of travel to AAM services based on a range of criteria.

Economically viable

The report found that AAM was indeed economically viable and would provide a significant contribution to the economy, whilst also reducing carbon emissions of travel.

On many of the northern routes the study, authored by electric aviation specialist Darrell Swanson, looked at, there were viable numbers of travellers given the anticipated lower cost of AAM services, such that the economic, environmental, and societal benefits, could be significant.

‘Real need’

The study concluded: “Throughout our work on the study, it has been clear that there is not only a place for AAM services, but in many areas a real need.

“Each part of the research has shown a case for the introduction of these air services across a variety of UK regions to help support, and complement, existing transport infrastructure, with almost no exceptions.”

Case for AAM ‘ever-more compelling’

It continued: “This assessment focused predominantly on the economic scope for the introduction of this new technology, as this is often considered the bedrock on which its viability will be judged.

“While some more societal factors such as emissions and time saving are included, there is further opportunity to assess the wider social benefits of an AAM network by considering the benefits of greater connectivity and convenience in both rural and remote settings, and heavily-populated city-centre locations.

“It’s also important to remember there is still scope for substantially improving the results from this research further.

“Were a rational and efficiency-led operator to run an AAM network that is adaptive to the specific needs, demand and costs of designated routes to maximise their effectiveness, the case for supporting UK transport routes with AAM aircraft becomes ever more compelling.”
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UKRI report examines market potential for AAM routes across UK

Economically viable

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