Air Taxis & Drones: Wissing Wants to Make Germany a Leading Market in AAM

The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) recently introduced its new strategy for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The strategy aims to establish Germany as a leading location for the development and operation of drones and electric air taxis (eVTOL).

Federal Minister of Transport Dr. Volker Wissing: "Drones and air taxis will revolutionize air travel. They create new transportation opportunities for goods and people and are a driver for electric flying, thus contributing to climate-friendly aviation. With our AAM strategy, we want to approach this disruptive technology with a readiness to act. We want these future means 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."

With these eight measures, the BMDV aims to improve the framework conditions for the operation of drones and air taxis in Germany

1. Gradual introduction of AAM:
   The BMDV plans to implement AAM in four phases by 2032. Initially, by 2026, the first test routes will be established, followed by the designation of geographically limited AAM areas by 2028. By 2030, these areas will be expanded to include regional traffic, and finally, nationwide AAM operations will be targeted by 2032.
2. Qualification of pilots:
   We are creating efficient training foundations to meet the demand for qualified pilots for AAM. We advocate that holders of existing pilot licenses may fly eVTOL after additional training and aim for an independent VTOL license in the long term.
3. Establishment of vertiports:
   We are developing the necessary infrastructure for the take-off and landing of eVTOL. This includes the creation of special landing sites and the integration of this infrastructure into existing transport systems.
4. Definition of flight routes:
   We are defining safe and efficient flight routes for AAM traffic, taking into account existing airspace structures and developing new route concepts.
5. Safety through airspace integration:
   We are advancing the development of new ATM/UTM systems to ensure the safe integration of AAM into the existing airspace. The goal is to gradually integrate UTM and ATM so that all air traffic participants can recognize each other.
6. Research and development:
   We are promoting innovations in the AAM field to strengthen Germany as a technology location. This includes supporting research projects and close collaboration with industry and research institutions.
7. Regulatory framework and effective administration:
   We are creating a flexible legal framework to enable the safe implementation of AAM. This involves adapting existing regulations and developing new policies.
8. Investment environment:
   We are promoting an attractive investment environment to support AAM development in Germany. This includes incentives for companies and investors as well as the provision of funding.

The BMDV will continuously evaluate the implementation of the strategy and adapt it to new developments.