AT THE FOREFRONT OF AVIATION ADVANCEMENT

Soaring high with Advanced Air Mobility, Middle East is determined to change its aviation skyscape as Dubai aims to fly air taxis by 2026 

- AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

IN THE DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE OF ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY, the Global Advanced Air Mobility Market is on an upward trajectory, marking a value of approximately $8.2 billion in 2022, according to a market research study published by Custom Market Insights. Forecasts predict a substantial leap to $14.1 billion in 2023 and a soaring $68.1 billion by 2032, boasting a remarkable CAGR of 35.2 per cent between 2023 and 2032. Major market players, including Joby Aviation, Volocopter, Wisk Aero, EHang, Urban Aeronautics, Lilium, A³ by Airbus, Vertical Aerospace, Bell Textron, and Archer Aviation, are at the forefront, driving this transformative wave.

While this revolution unfolds globally, the Middle East is making waves, especially in launching and operationalising air taxis. Dubai stands at the forefront of this movement, with plans to become a hotspot for futuristic air taxis. Earlier this year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum revealed Dubai’s relaunched flying taxi programme, envisioning air taxis soaring through the city’s skies within three years. The ambitious plan includes four “vertiports” strategically located at Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah archipelago, and Dubai Marina, each equipped with launching pads and charging points for these airborne taxis.

In the fast-evolving landscape of advanced air mobility and autonomous transportation, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is undoubtedly taking center stage, redefining the future of mobility in unprecedented ways. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), known for its ambitious and advanced ventures, is now positioning itself at the forefront of the electric aviation revolution.