Urban air mobility (UAM) and ground transportation integration: A survey

Abstract

This study explores urban air mobility (UAM) as a strategy for mitigating escalating traffic congestion in major urban areas as a consequence of a static transportation supply versus dynamic demand growth. It offers an in-depth overview of UAM development, highlighting its present state and the challenges of integration with established urban transport systems. Key areas of focus include the technological advancements and obstacles in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts, which are essential for UAM operation in urban environments. Furthermore, it explores the infrastructure requirements for UAM, including vertiport deployment and the creation of adept air traffic control (ATC) systems. These developments must be integrated into the urban landscape without exacerbating land-use challenges. This paper also examines the regulatory framework for UAM, including existing aviation regulations and the necessity for novel policies specifically designed for urban aerial transport. This study presents a comprehensive perspective for various stakeholders, from policymakers to urban planners, highlighting the need for a thorough understanding of UAM’s potential and effective assimilation into urban mobility frameworks.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

urban air mobility / integration / eVTOL / ground transportation / flying car

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Competing Interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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