Today, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published the results of the first EU study on Urban Air Mobility. The study shows that the majority of respondents welcome the prospect of services such as air taxis, air ambulances and drone deliveries; but they also highlight concerns about potential issues such as safety, security, noise and the impact on wildlife.
Urban Air Mobility is a new air transportation system for passengers and cargo in and around urban environments. Coming to Europe within three to five years, it will potentially make urban mobility faster and greener.
“As a result of this study, for the first time, EASA and the EU have insights into what the general public in Europe thinks about this entirely new development in the field of aviation,” said EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky. “For EASA as a regulator this information is crucial. It will allow us to set up the rules and regulations for this area in a way that is aligned with the expectations and perceptions of citizens.”
The Urban Air Mobility study
The comprehensive study was based on targeted research, a literature review, market analysis, surveys and interviews. The on-line quantitative survey polled 4,000 citizens in six European urban areas. More than 40 qualitative interviews, as well as a noise simulation test, complemented this survey.
The cities chosen for the online survey were Barcelona, Budapest, Hamburg, Milan, Öresund (Danish-Swedish cross-border area) and Paris. The survey invited to respond a minimum of 600 people from each location. The survey recipients are representative of a cross-section of the local population of each city.
“The fact that the results were homogeneous across the various cities is a good starting point, given that we are looking to create a single regulatory playing field at EU level,” Ky said.
Overall, the survey showed that 83% of respondents have a positive initial attitude towards UAM. Also, 71% are ready to try out UAM services. In particular, cases in the common interest, such as in emergencies or for medical transportation, received strong support.
You can find more details on the study and its results, including a breakdown of the results per city and an overview of the top findings, on the EASA website. EASA will use the study results to prepare an impact assessment and regulatory proposal for Urban Air Mobility in Europe in 2022.
About EASA
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is the centrepiece of the European Union’s strategy for aviation safety. Their mission is to promote and achieve the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation.
