Urban air mobility (UAM) in the metropolitan region of São Paulo: Potential and threats

Purpose: The increase in congestion and pollution in large cities combined with the innovation of air transport technology (drones and vertical takeoff and electric propulsion vehicles – eVTOL) and with the advances in autonomous technology have stimulated this research on the potential of Urban Air...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Lopes, Dario, Silva, Jorge
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/386343
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/386343
https://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3926/jairm.345
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Aeronautics, Commercial
Urban transportation
Drone aircraft
Urban mobility
Urban air mobility
Vertiports
eVTOL
Mobility infrastructure
Aviació comercial
Transport urbà
Avions no tripulats
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria civil::Infraestructures i modelització dels transports::Infraestructures i transport aeri
Descripción
Sumario:Purpose: The increase in congestion and pollution in large cities combined with the innovation of air transport technology (drones and vertical takeoff and electric propulsion vehicles – eVTOL) and with the advances in autonomous technology have stimulated this research on the potential of Urban Air Mobility – UAM as an alternative to improve mobility conditions in urban centers. In this research, the evaluation of public acceptance of UAM was carried out with a focus on the metropolitan region of São Paulo (RMSP), the largest metropolitan region in Brazil, with about 22 million inhabitants, and one of the ten most populous metropolitan regions in the world. Design/methodology: To fulfill the proposed purpose, an assessment of public acceptance of UAM (based on a survey) was developed. The survey identified the perceptions of potential customers regarding the gains of the air mobility alternative, as well as the restrictions and fears in relation to the UAM. The opinion poll was carried out along the same lines as the work carried out in Europe, allowing the comparison of results between the two markets. Findings: The main results indicated the biggest problems for the implementation of UAM services in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, as well as the expectations and restrictions of customers, which will be important subsidies for the development of public policies to improve conditions mobility in the region. Originality/value: UAM is a new, disruptive mobility technology that can improve travel conditions in highly congested urban centers, such as the RMSP. The success of this new technology depends on understanding the challenges and opportunities, but mainly on the perception and expectations of potential customers.