Asia-Pacific AAM Report 1H 2023

INTERVIEW WITH STUTTGART UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
demonstrating the presence of expert authority driving this solution
forward and enhancing mobility for a diverse range of users.
the focus can shift optimistically towards the perceived benefits
and advantages of autonomous travel.
Moreover, attention should be paid to the messaging when
promoting and marketing eVTOL services. Emphasizing and
educating users about the perceived benefits, such as time and
cost savings, as well as enhanced convenience, will be crucial in
shaping public perception. The framing of how accessible this
mode of transport will be for the general public is likely to shape
perception regarding the value proposition of autonomous flight;
whether the service benefits a wide social demographic or is
limited to the exclusively privileged will influence the extent of
both acceptance and resistance to its introduction.
Just as the introduction of commercial supersonic flight in 1976
provided passengers with a historic view of the Earth's curvature
at 60,000 feet, the emergence of a new mode of travel that
offers enhanced time efficiency, affordability, and personalized
flight experiences will undoubtedly evoke a range of emotional
responses. Whether it sparks amazement at the democratization
of air travel, dictating our schedules on any given day, or triggers
residual apprehension about potential system failures, the
introduction of autonomous technology in the AAM sector is
bound to become a fiercely contested area of opportunity.
When it comes to the ambitious goal of achieving fully automated
air travel, eVTOL manufacturers like Archer and Joby Aviation have
recognized the single-piloted model as a practical starting point for
scaled operations. However, unlike autonomous cars, the general
public is accustomed to entrusting pilots with the safe navigation
of aircraft through airspace. Professor Planing raises an important
question about whether introducing autonomous flight from the
outset would necessarily be met with a high level of apprehension,
considering that passengers are often unaware of the extent to
which automation controls the aircraft behind the cockpit door.
Assuming significant advancements in regulatory approval and
seamless technological integration, the mounting concerns
regarding security and safety can gradually subside. At that point,
The journey towards fully autonomous flight encompasses
not only technological and regulatory challenges but also
psychological ones. While the anxieties and concerns
of passengers and operators are significant, they are
not insurmountable. The future success of autonomous
implementation has the potential to significantly impact the
planning and construction of cities and civil infrastructure
worldwide, considering this mode of transportation. By
conducting continuous testing, adopting user-centric designs,
fostering trust, and demonstrating empathy, the industry can
navigate through these psychological obstacles toward a future
where autonomous eVTOLs are as commonplace as hailing a cab.
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