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Lessons learned while planning for advanced air mobility
Journal of Airport Management,
18
(2),
142-155
(2024)
Abstract
Historically aviation has gone through periods of immense innovative growth. Today the air transport industry is in the midst of yet another revolutionary period. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) includes technological advancements in electric and hydrogen propulsion, battery capacity and autonomy, resulting in the development of a new generation of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. These emerging technologies and new aircraft show promise in addressing historical concerns such as noise, safety, and negative environmental impacts. AAM has the potential to revolutionise the way we live by serving as the catalyst to robust, sustainable transport systems for people and goods. AAM can assist with emergency response, medical transport, reduced travel times, improve accessibility and reduce harmful emissions. Airports are an essential part of the transport infrastructure, serving as hubs for air travel, cargo shipments and emergency response centres in the wake of natural disasters. With the rise of AAM technologies, airports will need to adapt and prepare to accommodate these new types of aircraft. Each airport is unique and airport management will need to understand not only the potential of AAM but the capabilities of the airport itself. This paper aims to capture what the aviation industry has been, what it could be through AAM, lessons learned while planning for AAM, and how airports can use critical success factors to evaluate their readiness and plan for this innovative era.
Keywords: advanced air mobility (AAM); AAM planning; airport AAM evaluation; AAM impacts
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Paul Wheeler has been leading aerial innovation for WSP USA Inc. since 2021, overseeing the company’s national practice for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). With over 25 years’ experience in aviation and surface transport, Paul has dedicated his career to innovation and pushing the boundaries of the status quo. Recently, Paul led two ground-breaking initiatives in the field of AAM. He led the ACRP 243 study, providing airports with toolkits and guidance to assess and assist with the integration of AAM into their operations. He also led the Utah Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure study, commissioned by the Utah Legislature on behalf of the Utah Division of Aeronautics. As an internationally recognised speaker and innovator for Advanced Air Mobility and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Paul has been honoured by Commercial UAV Expo and InterDrone as one of the top drone visionaries.
Jared Esselman began his career in aviation in the United States Air Force as a Loadmaster in the 15th Airlift Squadron. During his military service, Jared earned his FAA pilot certification and is an IFR-rated private pilot and certified Part 107 UAS operator. He earned his Master’s in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Focused on aviation policy, Jared served as Director of State Government Affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. At AOPA Jared personally drafted and passed state laws on aviation in 25 states. He also served on the Board of Directors for the National Conference of State Legislators Foundation helping influence and focus aviation legislation across the country. Most recently Jared served as the Director of Aeronautics for the State of Utah and established himself as one of the nation’s leaders in innovative transport solutions by implementing the first state-wide Infrastructure Study for Advanced Air Mobility, initiating the earliest studies on the electrification of airports, and executing a state-wide plan for collecting and analysing pavement data via drone. Jared is also an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) with the American Association of Airport Executives.
Aaron Organ has a diverse aviation background with experience in general aviation, aircraft parts manufacturing, airport management professional development and academic/industry research. Aaron is currently a Consultant of Aerial Innovation with WSP USA, where he specialises in working across aviation and surface transport disciplines to assist with the integration of current and emerging technologies in aerial innovation. While earning his Master of Science by Research in transport systems from Cranfield University, UK, Aaron focused his research on community integration of Advanced Air Mobility. The thematic analysis resulted in AAM success keys and next steps for communities and various key stakeholders seeking to adopt AAM into existing transport systems. Aaron has provided various training services for aviation employees and has successfully prepared hundreds of students for professional aviation examinations. He is a Federal Aviation Administration-certified advanced ground instructor, remote pilot and private pilot, as well as a Certified Member with the American Association of Airport Executives. Aaron is also an Adjunct Instructor at Utah Valley University where he enjoys helping students reach their academic goals and mentoring them into career placement. He takes a special interest in assisting in undergraduate research projects conducting applied research to solve relevant industry problems.
