Transport's next big thing: eVTOLs

The advanced air mobility (AAM) industry rapidly taking shape, with billions to be made in investment and more than 30 aircraft manufacturers engaging in certification a race is on to capture a share of the market in many advanced global regions.

• AAM could become a billion-dollar industry for Australia at scale.

• The first commercial passenger flight of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is likely to launch within the next three to five years with several manufacturers competing to be the first to launch.

• Los Angeles, Paris, China, Singapore and Seoul are some of the most likely jurisdictions for the first launch of commercial passenger services, but we are seeing interest in AAMs across the board, including in Australia.

• In Australia, once eVTOL aircraft are certified, and necessary operator and manufacturing certifications are obtained, it will be possible to operate initial commercial flights under the existing regulatory construct. This undercuts the current perception that red tape would prevent eVTOLs from flying within urban and regional environments.

• The industry is attracting significant investment globally as it plans for commercialisation, with Archer and Joby going public by merging with SPACs.

Speaker: L.E.K. Consulting, Partner, Natasha Santha