Urban Air Mobility

Airspace is just empty space filled with air. From a different perspective, airspace is a resource subject to national sovereignty, can take different shapes, fulfil functions and be organized into structures and systems. Structured airspace may be even perceived as infrastructure. Structured airspace is increasingly becoming a recognised element of urban infrastructures and urban air mobility an integral part of urban traffic systems. Furthermore, airspace available for use is becoming increasingly scarce. Urban airspace as infrastructure, as a scarce resource and also as urban space needs to be operated and governed.

This issue of the IGLUS Quarterly is dedicated to an introduction to urban airspace, a new focal point for IGLUS. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is presented both as a concept and a developing new urban system, with important consequences and potential benefits for cities. While UAM-related policy-making and regulation are still in their infancy, it is already clear that UAM has a considerable potential to significantly change the urban landscape including the built environment and how urban spaces may be designed and utilised. New markets are developing as well as novel ways of performing public functions. The timeliness of this IGLUS Quarterly issue is underscored by the recent publication of the world’s first guidance material for the design of vertiports by EASA, the aviation safety regulator of the EU.

Read the full issue here.

Editor of this issue:

Iván László Arnold