Mobility concept

The successful implementation of urban air mobility solutions, such as air taxis, requires more than just advanced vehicle technology—it demands seamless integration into existing and future transportation networks. A well-designed mobility concept ensures that air taxis become a meaningful part of the multimodal travel chain, offering real benefits in terms of travel time, convenience, and accessibility.

A key pillar of this concept is the network planning of air taxi infrastructure, including the strategic placement of take-off and landing hubs (Vertiports). These hubs must be positioned to minimize access and egress times for users, ideally in locations with strong connections to public transport and active mobility modes such as walking, cycling, or micro-mobility.

To assess the role of air taxis within the broader mobility system, a data-driven approach is essential. This includes the analysis of current and forecasted travel demand, preferred trip purposes, and competing transport modes. In modeling future usage scenarios, variables such as travel time, cost, transfer frequency, and service intervals are evaluated—typically through logit-based demand models. The outcome is a projected modal split that highlights the potential market share of air taxis across different travel purposes.

Early results show that air taxis may play a niche but high-value role—especially for time-sensitive business trips—provided that connections to first- and last-mile modes are efficient. The planning and integration process must therefore prioritize user-centric design, accessibility, and intermodality.
By embedding air taxis into a cohesive urban mobility strategy, cities and operators can unlock their full potential as a fast, flexible, and sustainable complement to existing transport systems. This integrated approach is essential to gain public acceptance, meet climate goals, and ensure long-term commercial viability.