The development and operation of drones and eVTOLs are critical milestones on the path to electrification and digitalization of the entire aviation sector. The social and economic potential of the UAM/AAM industry is immense. Harnessing this potential and ushering in “a new era of aviation” is the declared goal of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) strategy presented by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport in Berlin.
The term “lead market,” coined by former Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU) in reference to drones and so-called “air taxis” for passenger, cargo, and goods transportation, has been replaced. The AAM strategy now speaks of fostering a “lead industry” in UAS and AAM technologies to spearhead “a new era of aviation.” The goals outlined in the AAM strategy for the period up to 2032 remain ambitious. Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (independent) emphasized, “Drones and air taxis will revolutionize air travel. They create new opportunities for transporting goods and people and drive advancements in electric aviation, paving the way for climate-friendly air transport. With our AAM strategy, we aim to approach this disruptive technology with readiness to act. We want these future modes of transportation to be manufactured and operated in Germany. This not only creates new high-tech jobs but also secures our position as a leading industrial and innovation hub in the long term.”
The 28-page strategy received a generally positive response from the drone economy. Its holistic approach, considering both aircraft and the necessary technical and regulatory framework for their operation, was particularly well received. However, organizations such as the German Aerospace Industries Association and UAV DACH cautioned that readiness to act alone is not enough. Concrete measures must be promptly implemented, regardless of future federal government compositions. Without swift and consistent action, Germany and Europe risk falling behind competitors from the U.S. and China in the global race.
> This article was created in collaboration with Drones, the magazine for the drone economy. www.drones-magazin.de
