Advanced air mobility is gaining momentum for take-off

Can you imagine a world where instead of driving to get where you’re going, you head to a nearby vertiport or skyport and board an automated vehicle that takes off vertically and flies you where you want to go?

This may be a reality sooner than you think thanks to the work taking place in advanced air mobility (AAM).

AAM refers to emerging aviation technologies, such as electronic vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL) and other uncrewed or automated aircraft, to move people and cargo.

For decades there’s been a fascination with the idea of this type of travel, but it’s only in recent years that this sector has gained serious momentum.

In May 2021, the Australian Government released the National Emerging Aviation Technologies Policy Statement. It sets out how government will support individuals, businesses, and industry to adopt new and emerging digital aviation technology, including AAM.

Not surprisingly CASA is playing a key role in the AAM sector and in the development of initiatives as safety is central to its success.

We are already working with industry and across government to co-design an aviation safety regulatory roadmap to guide our future regulatory approach for AAM.

We have also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, Airservices Australia, and the state of Victoria. The aim of this is to work together to develop a regulatory environment that supports growth and innovation in this sector and is ready for when vertiports/skyport and flying electric taxis become a reality.

Not only are we working to ensure AAM gets off the ground in Australia, we’re also proactively working with international regulatory bodies. This will help to ensure future AAM aircraft are approved to meet internationally recognised and airworthiness safety standards—keeping us all safe. 

While there aren’t any passenger carrying AAM vehicles in Australia yet, work is well underway for when that day comes—keeping Australia at the forefront of this innovative sector.