"Advanced Air Mobility" is the name of a new economic sector that deals with future transport opportunities in airspace. A promising sector, as Erik Linden, who sees the Swiss supplier industry playing a key role here, stated in an interview with Swissmem. Despite certain risks.

This sector is an important part of the future mobility and aerospace landscape. Its potential is far-reaching and can positively influence many aspects of daily life. Switzerland is already being touted as the "Silicon Valley of Robotics and Drones" for good reason. According to Linden, co-founder of a consulting firm primarily active in the aviation industry called "Orbit Management Services," a thriving and rapidly growing startup and industrial base has developed in recent years, gaining significant international recognition. The interview in excerpts:

Erik Linden : This is because Switzerland plays a pioneering international role in the field of AAM (Automated Aircraft Management) and participates in European and international bodies in the regulatory, technological, and political development and implementation of the topic. Among other things, we at Orbit Management Services were able to actively contribute to the development of the "Drone Strategy 2.0 for Europe" on behalf of the Swiss Aerospace Cluster and the European Aerospace Cluster Partnership (EACP), thus helping to shape the central framework for the topic.

E. Linden

Advanced Air Mobility: What exactly are we talking about here?

Linden : Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) refers to the use of advanced aviation technology for the transport of people and goods, as well as for industrial applications. This topic thus extends far beyond the much-discussed passenger applications and offers a diverse range of applications.

Could you elaborate on that? What makes this topic relevant?

Advanced Air Mobility supports a new era in aviation (...). Particularly in urban and suburban environments, as well as in densely populated regions, mobility and logistics applications offer sustainable and efficient options, such as the delivery of laboratory samples or safety- and time-critical goods. Furthermore, industrial applications, such as the inspection of power lines, the monitoring of hazardous areas, or the protection of nature and the environment, offer efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable options as complements to or replacements for conventional methods.

We are currently observing that, despite general skepticism (...), consistently positive developments are expected in the long term, with logistics and industrial applications being considered particularly relevant and useful.

What current developments are influencing AAM?

There are several drivers:

• Growing environmental awareness and the search for low-emission solutions in aviation and for industrial applications.
• Population growth, especially in urban areas, increases the need for efficient transport options for people and goods.
• Regulatory progress, particularly regarding the safety and integration of new technologies such as drones into existing airspace.
• Technological innovations, especially in electrification, connectivity and autonomous systems.

What has happened so far in Switzerland and Europe?

(…) Thanks to the active role of the Swiss stakeholders, many key decisions have already been made, including a comprehensive legal framework, the promotion of the development of key components of the drone management system (U-Space), and the development of the AAM industry and the market for applications in Europe and Switzerland.

Photo: klk.

What market potential do you see in the next 5-10 years?

(…) Significant opportunities arise, particularly in software and hardware development, manufacturing and production, as well as in services (e.g., training & MRO). Not only traditional aviation companies, but also startups, technology companies, logistics providers, and various users in the private (e.g., construction & energy) and public sectors (e.g., cities & municipalities) should therefore explore and utilize this potential.

Due to the strong technology and innovation base and an internationally renowned and established aviation supply industry in Switzerland, I see special opportunities to benefit from the growth in the AAM market and to utilize the potential in application.

Where do you see risks?

In our AAM Risk Report 2023, we analyzed the most significant risks for the short (2 years) and long term (10 years) with a panel of 159 experts. Fundamentally, the greatest risks in the short and long term lie in the regulatory environment (including airspace integration and certification). However, the results of our report also show that there are technological (e.g., battery technology, autonomy and avionics, and production setup for scaling) and socio-political risks (e.g., social acceptance) that need to be addressed, highlighting the important role AAM plays for the economy and society. The experience of established and certified aviation stakeholders, such as those in the supplier industry, can play a crucial role in addressing these risks and provide guidance to the dynamic and startup-driven AAM industry.

Furthermore, risks exist in the construction, operation, and financing of digital and physical infrastructures, which must be addressed collaboratively between public and private stakeholders. The current focus in financing the AAM industry is still on the aircraft themselves (mainly passenger applications, also known as eVTOLs), but it must and will inevitably shift to other applications and the development of the ecosystem (including infrastructure and services) (...).

background

Erik Linden co-founded the consulting firm Orbit Management Services with Clemens Kürten. Orbit offers services aimed at startups, companies, and governments, focusing on the exploration, development, and scaling of advanced technologies in the aerospace industry.

The full Swissmem interview

The risk study is available for download.

www.swissmem.ch

www.orbit.ms