Business model

In the development of innovative mobility concepts like air taxis, the question of economic viability is just as critical as the technical solution itself. Business models serve as a key tool to evaluate whether a concept can generate value for customers—and turn that value into a sustainable revenue stream.

To structure and test early-stage business ideas, the Business Model Canvas is often used. This widely recognized framework breaks down a business model into key components such as customer segments, value propositions, revenue channels, and infrastructure. It helps teams visualize, communicate, and iterate their ideas clearly and collaboratively.

In the context of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), where technologies, regulations, and customer expectations are still evolving, business models need to remain flexible and adaptive. Existing models from aviation, rail, and public transit offer a valuable starting point—but must be re-evaluated for a vertical, on-demand, and digital-first context.

To support this, modular toolkits and morphological matrices can be used. These collect various possible business model elements (e.g., pricing strategies, service levels, operational roles) into a structured format. This enables targeted exploration of model variations based on different scenarios or market conditions.

Alongside this, use case development plays a central role. Whether for business travel, medical response, logistics, or premium short-distance transport—each use case brings specific customer needs, operational challenges, and regulatory considerations. Workshops and innovation methods like Design Thinking and the Value Proposition Canvas help match product offerings with real-world user expectations.

By combining structured frameworks with creative exploration, viable and scalable business models for air taxis can be developed—anchored in user value, operational feasibility, and long-term adaptability in a rapidly evolving mobility ecosystem.