Skyways to the Future 2024

In India, state- and city-level logistics plans should factor AAM into the multimodal transport system. A strong infrastructure strategy accounts for the use and repurposing of existing infrastructure, while planning the development of new vertiports will support the advancement of the AAM agenda. Lessons from the helicopter market In the financial year (FY) 2022-23, the total number of helicopter hours in India was about 58,000, compared to 2.7 million in the US.7 This indicates an open avenue for AAM to expand and operate to address key infrastructure, regulations, economic viability and supply chain bottlenecks. Why is the AAM market expected to succeed when the helicopter market in India has not met its anticipated usage levels since its introduction? Several factors contribute to the imminent expansion of AAM: –Costs: With fewer points of failure, AAM aircraft can incur significantly lower operational costs than helicopters. In particular, eVTOLs may be more energy-efficient, relatively quieter and require less maintenance than helicopters. Electric propulsion systems also introduce a sustainability element to the sector. –Infrastructure: Unlike helicopters, land acquisition may not be a significant challenge for AAM. These aircraft can use existing infrastructure, such as the rooftops of malls, buildings, hospitals and existing helipads, instead of dedicated helipads. –Regulatory: Regulations supporting AAM are evolving in a well-informed and evidence- based manner. The sector is highly technical, involving airspace management and overall aircraft operations. Therefore, regulatory inputs will also come from software experts in the industry. Helicopters, on the other hand, faced substantial regulatory hurdles. –Demand: India’s requirements align closely with AAM’s capabilities. For example, primary healthcare accessibility, urban decongestion, and efficient transport of people and high-value cargo are critical needs. AAM solutions, such as air taxis for urban areas, air ambulances for medical transport and connections to rural regions, address these requirements effectively. The city of São Paulo represents a compelling example for comparison. Brazil has a helicopter fleet of over 2,000, with São Paulo alone accounting for 411 aircraft and 260 helipads out of the country’s total of 427. A helicopter lands in São Paulo every 45 seconds, indicating the potential of UAM. São Paulo is a decisive case of how a financial hub, rapidly urbanizing and home to 12 million people, uses magnified airspace for urban mobility. With greater adoption, the city has seen a democratization of this mode of transport akin to radio and web-based services around the world. A typical take-off/landing fee stands at $40.8 Despite its vastness, India has a fleet of 300 helicopters, with 250 registered and operational civil helicopters and over 1,000 helipads. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when medical evacuations were at an all-time high, the helicopter sector did not see much upturn. On the other hand, the pandemic caused a significant rise in drone-based medical deliveries across India post-2020.9 The decline in helicopter adoption was due to several factors, including financial viability, integration with air traffic control (ATC), understanding helicopter flight rules beyond visual flight rules (VFR), challenges with last- mile connectivity and infrastructure, and the need for dynamic pricing models. Electric aircraft, eVTOLs and STOLs are well- suited and present an excellent case for India to mainstream the technology. Despite the odds and market factors against helicopters, the response to the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme proposed by the Government of India has been overwhelming. The concept of AAM in the transport sector bridges the economic gaps in large cities. It overcomes many negative factors such as infrastructure, emissions, maintenance costs, potential to automate and ease of use. AAM aircraft can use existing infrastructure, such as the rooftops of malls, buildings, hospitals and existing helipads, instead of dedicated helipads. Skyways to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Air Mobility in India 9