WEF & Kearney – Advanced Air Mobility, 2024

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is driving innovative technology in the aviation industry, but a clear taxonomy towards full autonomy is still lacking. This white paper supports a spectrum of human involvement in AAM operations, with increasing levels of remote control and decreasing direct human intervention. Both passenger and non-passenger applications are possible, offering benefits to various industries, geographies, and people. While some use cases are being piloted, the ecosystem is not yet ready for large-scale adoption. More cohesive regulations, digital infrastructure, and physical infrastructure are needed for AAM integration. AAM is expected to democratize and increase automation in commercial aviation, but obstacles still remain. The future of AAM is electric and leverages increased automation, potentially easing the pilot shortage and making business models more robust. Regulatory and public acceptance are crucial for the successful development and deployment of AAM technology.