Are U.S. Airports Ready for the Coming Era of Certified eVTOL Aircraft
- The commercial aviation industry could be within a few years from seeing its first certified electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
- Early adoption of this technology will likely be driven by applying these aircraft to cargo delivery, wildfire suppression efforts, and emergency medical services are some of the strongest...
- An aircraft's mission profile will continue to grow as battery technology improves range and payload capacities.
The commercial aviation industry could be within a few years from seeing its first certified electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Manufacturing firms such as Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, and Joby Aviation are believed by industry observers to be the furthest along in the certification process.
Upon certification, these proposed aircraft models are poised to support transportation needs by augmenting how the aviation industry serves the public rather than replacing traditional aircraft initially. Dan Sloat, founder and president of the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, notes that early use cases will likely focus on specialized missions.
Early adoption of this technology will likely be driven by applying these aircraft to cargo delivery, wildfire suppression efforts, and emergency medical services are some of the strongest contenders for early use of the technology.
An aircraft’s mission profile will continue to grow as battery technology improves range and payload capacities.
Infrastructure Readiness and Electrical Capacity at U.S. Airports
Even with new aircraft types flying soon, few airports have prepared themselves for the forthcoming operational reality of advanced air mobility. According to Dan Sloat, airport leaders must first examine local power grids.
Any airport genuinely wishing to spearhead this sector must begin by thoroughly evaluating its current electrical output capabilities without a doubt.
Joe Mattern, who has spent 17 years supporting the development of these technologies, points out that charging capabilities are a primary concern for accepting these aerial vehicles. Many airport managers feel excited about the future but hesitate to invest in supporting infrastructure before the Federal Aviation Administration certifies one or more eVTOL aircraft. Potential customers have expressed caution regarding charger purchases while aircraft lack certification, according to Mattern.
Joe, why do we want to buy a charger when these aircraft are not even certified?
Airport managers recognize they need to prepare, but they want to avoid investing too early.
Vertiport Design and Manufacturer Infrastructure Investments
The design of vertiports will vary based on local area needs and other factors, though many will share layouts similar to many heliports. Aircraft manufacturers also recognize the need for infrastructure investment to match vehicle development.
Beta Technologies has deployed a charge network boasting more than 50 sites online from California to Maine, with the company continuing to expand its footprint. Hundreds of researchers, organizations, and educational institutions are working alongside manufacturers to get advanced air mobility technologies operational, with the Federal Aviation Administration remaining in step with these groups.
