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CTOLs, with their longer range, cases. detailed cost analysis will be
could be used to serve regional critical to complete the aircraft
air mobility needs, where range Infrastructure Support – selection assessment. The
requirements are greater. Operators need to be cognizant detailed cost analysis will utilize
if the aircraft they acquire can be assumptions around the air-
Payload – Operators will need operated within their operating craft’s desired operating pattern
to assess the payload and environment. will be required to understand
range requirements holistically the financial impact of the air-
for each use case they are A key infrastructure for AAM craft selection decision. It is
contemplating. operators is the availability important to note that given the
of ground infrastructure for novelty of the sector, some of
The aircraft’s designed payload operators to land their aircraft. these assumptions will be cali-
capacity determines the amount Leveraging existing infrastruc- brated estimates at best, and it
of passengers and cargo that ture would significantly reduce is important to consider different
can be carried in each single the capital investment burden, scenarios and cost sensitivities
trip. However, with eVTOLs in while new infrastructure needs that could have the most impact
particular, there is a trade-off to be planned and developed on the aircraft selection decision.
between range and payload to support operations to build
given the limited energy stored out the full potential network
in the battery packs after factor- opportunities. Certification Framework
ing in the high power intensity
needed during take-off and In addition, operators need to There is no global harmoniza-
landing. also consider whether there is tion of AAM vehicle certification
sufficient charging or refueling regulations yet and differences
For example, if the vehicles facilities within the operating exist between FAA and EASA
are used on airport shuttle environment, and what type of standards. CAAC, the Chinese
routes, then a larger payload maintenance support can be regulator, has also developed
capacity may be required to fit provided by the OEMs. regulations and certified several
passengers and their bags, as Chinese OEM AAM vehicles,
compared to air medical services Cost – Once a shortlist of suit- although the regulations may
or tourism / sightseeing use able aircraft is identified, a have more limited applicability
globally.
To maximize the availability of
their aircraft to operators in dif-
ferent jurisdictions, and expand
their addressable market, some
OEMs are pursuing certifica-
tions in multiple jurisdictions.
Lilium and Vertical are pursuing
both FAA and EASA certification
concurrently, while the Chinese
OEM Autoflight is seeking both
CAAC and EASA certifications.
Operators will thus need to
consider the jurisdiction of their
operations and ensure that the
regulators are comfortable with
the certification basis for the
AAM aircraft or risk delays to
entry-into-service.
ASIAN AIRLINES & AEROSPACE - INSIGHT MAY - JULY 2024 | 33
