Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL): Next-gen aerial vehicles deliver elevated mobility

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 18, 2022

Insight summary

Companies and investors have been drawn to developing eVTOL vehicles as an efficient and eco-friendly transportation mode, with a potential market value of $57 billion by 2035. These aircraft, capable of vertical take-off and landing, hold promise for urban mobility and cargo delivery. The technology's impact extends to reshaping job markets, environmental sustainability, and the potential for revolutionary changes in urban planning and emergency services.

Electric vertical take-off and landing context

Over the years, companies and investors have been showing interest in developing eVTOL vehicles as another mode of transportation. This interest is driven by the potential for eVTOLs to provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transportation methods. A survey from a global consulting firm revealed that passenger and cargo eVTOL vehicles may grow into a USD $57 billion market by 2035.

eVTOL aircraft lift off and land vertically, without the need for a long stretch of runway. This design feature allows them to operate in urban environments where space is often limited. Because eVTOL aircraft use a tilt-rotor design, they can take off and land like a helicopter, then tilt their rotors forward when cruising, similar to a prop-driven aircraft. This flexibility in movement may lead to new transportation possibilities, such as quicker commutes and more accessible travel to remote locations.

eVTOL craft are either fully electric with battery storage or hybrid-electric, using a combination of traditional fuel and electrical energy. The use of electric power contributes to a reduction in emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, the hybrid-electric option provides a balance between efficiency and range, offering potential solutions to current limitations in battery technology. 

Disruptive Impact

For the eVTOL future of transportation to truly have a place for everyone, the development of ground infrastructure, advanced communication technologies (such as 5G internet), and an unmanned air traffic management system (UTM) are crucial. These components are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and accessibility for eVTOL operations. Governments and private sectors may need to collaborate to create the necessary regulations, standards, and investments. With these elements in place, eVTOL advancements could potentially represent significant new market opportunities in relevant sectors involved in aviation, manufacturing, construction, technology, and logistics.

In time, eVTOLs themselves are likely to introduce numerous changes in various transport and logistical spaces. Aerial ridesharing services could emerge as an alternative to getting stuck in ground-based traffic, offering a new way for daily commuters to save time. Beyond that, eVTOL delivery aircraft can make last-mile cargo deliveries to suburban areas faster and more efficiently than ever. This trend can enhance productivity in the delivery sector and provide consumers with quicker access to goods, reshaping the expectations of online shopping and local delivery services.

The long-term impact of eVTOLs extends beyond transportation and logistics. The technology may lead to the creation of new jobs and skill sets, ranging from piloting to maintenance to air traffic control specialized for eVTOLs. Educational institutions may need to develop new curricula to prepare the workforce for these emerging roles. Additionally, the environmental benefits of electric and hybrid-electric flight could align with broader societal goals to reduce emissions, making eVTOLs an attractive option for governments and organizations aiming to meet sustainability targets.

Implications of vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL)

Wider implications of eVTOL may include:

• On-demand urban air mobility services, leading to potential revenue streams for both technology providers and transportation companies.
• City planning adapting to accommodate eVTOL infrastructure, with considerations for landing pads, charging stations, and airspace management, reshaping the urban landscape and promoting integrated transportation systems.
• Job creation in piloting, maintenance, air traffic management, and related roles. 
• New regulations addressing airspace management, data privacy, and security concerns, requiring a balance between innovation and individual rights.
• Enhanced search and rescue operations by providing quick access to remote or hard-to-reach locations, improving the efficiency of emergency services and potentially saving lives.
• The capability of eVTOLs for last-mile cargo deliveries reshaping supply chains, offering faster and more efficient delivery options for businesses and consumers.
• Military reconnaissance enabling more flexible drone launches and improving the efficiency of surveillance operations in various scenarios.
• Affordable and accessible eVTOL services providing more people with the opportunity to experience flying and reducing travel time between cities and regions.

Questions to consider

• What types of companies can find a role in the elevated mobility ecosystem in relation to eVTOL aircraft? 
• What other industries can benefit from eVTOL vehicles?