In collaboration with Electric Aviation Maven (EA Maven), Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) has undertaken a groundbreaking feasibility study to explore the potential for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Regional Air Mobility (RAM) operations within the Republic of Ireland. The study’s findings aim to guide strategic investment decisions, provide insights into demand, and pave the way for an innovative transport network tailored to Ireland’s unique geography and infrastructure needs.
Darrell Swanson from EA Maven presenting the results of this study at the EVTOL Insights Conference 2024 in London in November 2024.
Wassim Derguech from FMCI discussing the opportunity for Ireland in advancing IAM at the EVTOL Insights Conference 2024 in London in November 2024.
Study Objectives
The primary goal of this study is to assess the viability of AAM and RAM services across Ireland, focusing on the accessibility of remote areas where surface transport is limited. Specifically, the study examines:
Demand Analysis:
- Estimation of potential weekly demand between cities, cities and airports, and inter-airport routes.
- Comprehensive evaluation of journey purposes, transport modes, and population data within Local Electoral Areas (LEAs).
- Ranking of routes based on demand, distance thresholds (30-120 miles, optimal for eVTOL operations), and population metrics.
Travel Time and Economic Comparisons:
- Analysis of travel time ratios for AAM services versus traditional surface transport.
- Examination of Gross Disposable Household Income (GDHI) and its impact on travel propensity.
Environmental and Economic Benefits:
- Assessment of carbon emissions savings and economic stimulation potential from AAM adoption.
Methodology
EA Maven leveraged its proprietary tools and extensive expertise in the AAM industry to conduct a detailed analysis:
Route Identification:
Potential connections were mapped across Ireland’s 166 LEAs, 16 airports, and key cities. Distances, population distributions, and demand metrics were used to identify and rank optimal routes.Indexing and Weighting:
Criteria such as travel time comparisons, GDHI, and travel propensity were indexed to identify routes with the highest potential for adoption.Detailed Route Analysis:
A single high-potential route was selected for an in-depth analysis, including demand modelling, scheduling, and fleet utilisation.
Key Findings
Top Routes for AAM Operations:
Routes between major urban centres and regional airports demonstrated significant potential, particularly where surface travel is less efficient or time-intensive.Demand Insights:
Propensity-to-travel analysis revealed strong interest among business and leisure travellers for AAM services, especially on routes with population densities exceeding 1,000 inhabitants per point.Operational Viability:
The study estimated optimal aircraft utilisation rates, load factors, and service frequencies, highlighting the economic feasibility of the modelled AAM route.Environmental Impact:
Transitioning travellers from road to air mobility could result in measurable carbon emission reductions, supporting Ireland’s sustainability goals.
Conclusion
This study marks a significant step forward in envisioning Ireland’s future in Advanced Air Mobility. By leveraging advanced modelling techniques and data-driven insights, FMCI and EA Maven have laid the foundation for a transport revolution that is both efficient and sustainable.
The findings will guide FMCI’s strategic investments in infrastructure, operations, and partnerships to bring Ireland closer to a future where urban and regional air mobility is a reality.
Acknowledgement
This work has been part-funded under the Regional Enterprise Innovation Scoping Scheme Priming Grant (REISS 2022) administered by Enterprise Ireland.