Urban flying vehicles must cost 80% less to operate than helicopters

For congested cities, urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles could be a promising alternative to ground transportation. But to be successful, these vehicles need to cost 80% less to operate than helicopters currently do, according to analysts at business consulting firm McKinsey & Co. The accompanying chart shows the cost reductions per seat mile necessary for UAM vehicles to reach parity with current helicopters.

The dream of using new technologies to rise above the ever-increasing urban-road congestion has gained significant momentum, with more than 250 businesses planning to build, operate, or manufacture UAM vehicles. A growing assortment of industry players is working across the value chain to make this dream a reality. Enabled by vertical-takeoff and -landing (VTOL) systems, electric propulsion, and advanced flight-control capabilities, these vehicles could eventually reach price points rivaling today’s taxi services.

Click here to continue reading about the McKinsey & Co. experts’ insights on what UAMs will need to be economically viable.