Is Advanced Air Mobility the answer to India's transport woes?

India's cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, are economic powerhouses, but they suffer from severe traffic congestion. The delays caused by urban gridlock have far-reaching economic and social consequences. A 2023 survey in Bengaluru revealed that 57% of private vehicle owners and 55% of public transport users frequently arrive late to work. In 2018 alone, approximately 700,000 productive hours were lost due to lateness, resulting in a financial loss of INR 11.7 billion.

Transportation is the backbone of India's economy, connecting people to jobs, education, and essential services while facilitating trade and commerce. However, the rapid pace of urbanisation and economic growth has placed immense pressure on existing infrastructure, particularly in metropolitan areas.

In contrast, rural India faces the challenges of underdeveloped transport infrastructure. Remote regions are often disconnected from economic hubs, limiting access to healthcare, education, and markets. These disparities highlight the need for innovative solutions that address both urban and rural mobility challenges. This is where Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) presents a unique opportunity to bridge these gaps.

India stands on the verge of a transformative shift in transportation with the introduction of AAM. This innovative sector promises to redefine how people and goods move across urban and rural areas, offering solutions to traffic congestion, accessibility issues, and regional connectivity. The recently released report, 'Skyways to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Air Mobility in India', a collaboration between the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation of India, serves as a roadmap for realising the potential of AAM, laying the foundation for a sustainable, inclusive, and efficient air transport ecosystem.

"India is at the threshold of a transformative shift in mobility, and AAM represents a pivotal step toward unlocking the potential of our skies. With the development of this concept of operations, we are laying the foundation for a future where air transport is not just faster and more efficient but also accessible, sustainable and inclusive for all Indians. This collaboration with the World Economic Forum underscores our commitment to embracing innovation while ensuring safe and secure integration into our national airspace," wrote Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, India, in the report.

Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, while addressing the press after his inaugural session at the 10th edition of PHDCCI Aviation & Air Cargo Summit 2024, held in New Delhi on September 4, 2024.

"India is at the threshold of a transformative shift in mobility, and AAM represents a pivotal step toward unlocking the potential of our skies."
Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, India

AAM: Addressing India's mobility needs
Advanced Air Mobility offers an innovative solution to India's diverse transport challenges. According to Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation of India, "The advent of air travel has revolutionised transport, mobilising millions globally. Today, as technology advances, aviation remains a crucial driver of economic and social connectivity. As the third-largest domestic aerial market globally, India stands at the threshold of a new revolution. With schemes and frameworks aimed at extending aviation to the last mile, AAM presents a unique opportunity to address challenges due to urban sprawl as India experiences rapid economic progress. Furthermore, regional mobility will enhance access to jobs and finance, ensuring no one is left behind in the broader transport network."

"The value chain of AAM offers India the chance to take a leading position in manufacturing, operations, supply chains and training expertise. Given India's culturally diverse geography, the seamless integration of AAM into the Indian market will help develop a model for aspiring nations," said Vualnam.

Using new-age aerial vehicles, AAM provides rapid, efficient, and sustainable transportation options for passengers and cargo. The concept of Advanced and Short-Haul Air Mobility for All (ASHA) emphasises the potential of AAM to serve urban and rural communities alike." To harness this sector's opportunities, we have built a strong community of purpose to address key elements from an end-user perspective," added Vualnam. According to the report, there are many practical applications of AAM, like:

• Urban decongestion: AAM aircraft can bypass traffic bottlenecks, offering fast and reliable transport within cities. Vertiports—dedicated hubs for take-off and landing—can be strategically placed on rooftops of malls, hospitals, and corporate centers to optimise urban mobility.
• Rural connectivity: AAM can connect remote areas to regional hubs, providing essential services like healthcare and education while opening up economic opportunities. By improving access to markets, AAM can empower rural communities and boost regional development.
• Productivity enhancement: Reliable and timely AAM services can reduce delays caused by urban congestion, enhancing overall productivity for individuals and organisations.

The vision for AAM in India
India's unique demographic and geographic landscape positions it as a prime candidate for AAM implementation. The WEF report envisions a phased adoption of AAM, supported by robust infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and public engagement.

To support AAM operations, a network of vertiports must be established across urban and rural areas. These facilities will serve as hubs for passenger boarding, cargo handling, and aircraft maintenance. Key considerations include:

• Strategic locations: Vertiports must be integrated into existing transport infrastructure, including airports, helipads, and major road networks. Ideal locations include rooftops of shopping malls, hospitals, and corporate offices.
• Maintenance and repair: Proximity to Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities is essential to ensure operational efficiency and minimise downtime for AAM aircraft.
• Rural inclusion: Rural vertiports can significantly enhance regional connectivity, providing access to essential services and economic opportunities.

A comprehensive regulatory framework is crucial for AAM's safe and efficient integration into India's airspace. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already issued advisory circulars on AAM aircraft's vertiport commissioning and airworthiness standards. Future regulations must address:

• Air traffic management: Integrating AAM with existing air traffic control systems to ensure seamless operations.
• Noise mitigation: Developing strategies to minimise noise pollution and gain community acceptance.
• Safety standards: Establishing stringent safety protocols to build public trust in AAM technology.

To ensure widespread adoption, AAM must be cost-competitive with existing premium transport options like app-based cabs. Innovations in electric propulsion systems and battery technology will be pivotal in achieving this goal. Additionally, autonomous capabilities could further reduce operational costs over time.

How can AAM economically and socially impact India?
AAM has the potential to drive significant economic and social transformation in India. The report highlights several key benefits:

Economic opportunities

• Job creation: The AAM value chain—spanning manufacturing, operations, supply chain management, and pilot training—could generate thousands of new jobs.
• Market expansion: Improved connectivity can open up new markets, boosting trade and commerce in previously inaccessible regions.
• Urban productivity: By reducing delays caused by traffic congestion, AAM can enhance productivity across urban centres.

Social inclusion

AAM's ability to connect remote and underserved areas aligns with India's broader goals of inclusive development. By ensuring equal access to AAM services, the initiative can bridge social and economic disparities.

Challenges for AAM Implementation
Noise pollution is a major concern for the implementation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), especially in densely populated urban areas. The report emphasises the need for advanced noise reduction technologies and proactive community engagement to address this issue.

Additionally, the electrification of AAM aircraft will require significant energy resources. Developing sustainable energy solutions, such as charging stations powered by renewable energy, will be crucial.

Furthermore, the report states that AAM services must be priced competitively to ensure equitable access. It highlights the importance of developing cost-effective technologies and exploring subsidies or public-private partnerships to make AAM accessible to everyone.

International collaboration and India's global role
India's Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative has attracted international attention. At the 2024 International Civil Aviation Organization's Advanced Air Mobility Symposium in Montreal, India presented its vision for a sustainable and inclusive AAM ecosystem. The country's leadership in this emerging sector positions it as a model for other nations.

As Purushottam Kaushik, Head of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution at the World Economic Forum, stated: "This report embodies the spirit of multilateralism and inclusivity, demonstrating how a collaborative, multistakeholder approach can create a roadmap for a dynamic, emerging sector."

The road ahead
India's journey towards AAM implementation is a long-term endeavour requiring continuous innovation, collaboration, and adaptability. Key milestones include:

• Establishing urban vertiports: The immediate focus will be on creating a network of urban vertiports to address pressing mobility challenges in metropolitan areas.
• Expanding rural networks: The next phase will involve developing rural vertiports to enhance regional connectivity.
• Scaling operations: As the ecosystem matures, scaling AAM operations across the country will be critical to achieving widespread adoption.
• Encouraging innovation: Ongoing research and development will drive technological advancements, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of AAM innovation.

India's transport system is at a transformative juncture, with AAM poised to revolutionise mobility across urban and rural landscapes. By prioritising sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, AAM offers a pathway to address longstanding transport challenges while driving economic growth and social equity.

As the Indian Minister of Civil Aviation stated, "We are laying the foundation for a future where air transport is not just faster and more efficient, but also accessible, sustainable, and inclusive for all Indians."

With the release of the Skyways to the Future report, India has taken a decisive step toward realising the potential of advanced air mobility. By fostering collaboration among government, industry, and communities, this initiative promises to shape the future of transport in India and beyond. AAM is not just a transport solution—it is a catalyst for a more connected, equitable, and prosperous India.