A new era of transportation is dawning as advanced air mobility (AAM) becomes part of mobility ecosystems. AAM represents the next generation of aircraft innovation, bringing mobility options to communities for passenger, air cargo, and emergency services.
To be prepared and foster a community voice for effective implementation, local governments—both urban and rural—should start planning for AAM as part of broader metropolitan and regional mobility plans.
Multiple emerging technologies—such as electrification of aviation, connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), and shared mobility—will influence AAM planning efforts toward delivering equitable and sustainable solutions. Understanding how to apply these technologies in an integrated transportation context will be essential for AAM implementation to have the best community impact.
In the following article, WSP aviation experts—Jagannath Mallela, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Research and Innovation Solutions, United States; Paul Wheeler, Director of Aerial Innovation, United States; and Gaël Le Bris, C.M., P.E., Senior Aviation Planner and Senior Technical Principal, United States—take an in-depth look at AAM. They present the potential benefits and the essential steps for integrating AAM into communities—to connect more places, advance equitable transportation solutions, and achieve timely delivery of vital services.
