Assessing Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing for Urban Air Taxi Services: Key Parameters and Future Transportation Impact

Yinfei Liu and Chao Gao ()
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Yinfei Liu: Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
Chao Gao: School of Humanities, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710061, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 11, 1-15

Abstract: Urban air mobility (UAM) enabled by electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft presents an innovative transportation system for mega-cities. An analysis of the techno-economic feasibility of eVTOL air taxis can provide insights into the development and potential impacts of this emerging mobility solution. This study examines eVTOL configurations and proposes a conceptual model for eVTOL air taxi services. A generic cost–revenue model is developed to evaluate the economic feasibility using the rate of return-on-investment approach. Two critical parameters are identified—maximum voyage and price per kilometer. The modeling analysis shows that eVTOL air taxis can achieve a positive rate of return given realistic assumptions on the critical parameters. Reductions in operating costs and increases in maximum voyage range improve financial viability. With technological advancement, eVTOL air taxis are expected to transform urban transportation by increasing capacity and flexibility. The techno-economic analysis provides useful implications for urban planning and policy regarding this innovative mobility mode.

Keywords: urban air mobility; air taxi service; techno-economic feasibility; generic revenue; operating cost modeling; urban transportation; mobility solution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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