25.9.2023

Attractiveness of UAM EMS business models compared to alternatives, considering market potential, economic, sociological and environmental impact.

The AiRMOUR project tackles one of the most critical real-life applications of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), namely Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Within the AiRMOUR project, applications of electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft for doctors and patients and medical supplies using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are validated in real-life demonstrations in Stavanger (Norway), Helsinki (Finland), the region of Nord-Hessen (Germany) and through simulated flights in Luxembourg.

This deliverable provides an initial overview of the present EMS and UAM market potential. UAM-specific business models have been co-created with stakeholders of the AiRMOUR validation and replicator cities.

These six business models have been developed for cities and municipalities as co-creation processes with representatives of the AiRMOUR demonstration and replication cities that took place in the form of online workshops in June 2023:

  • Regional UAM Arena Business Model
  • UAM EMS – Life-saving Packages Business Model
  • UAM EMS – EMT Personnel Business Model
  • Medical UAM – Material Relief Logistics Business Model
  • Medical UAM – Pathology Sample Logistics Business Model
  • UAM EMS UAS/eVTOL Service Operator Business Model

The presented work once more supports the overall perception of AiRMOUR towards UAM and UAS/eVTOL-based EMS operations. Undoubtedly, such operations potentially offer a range of benefits to society, businesses, and the environment. Particularly, several studies claimed that using UAS for EMS demonstrates good potential in saving human lives.

Comparing UAS and eVTOL-based EMS with traditional EMS, based on-ground transport and helicopters, clarified a range of benefits related to operational and financial efficiency and sustainability development. However, it is necessary to acknowledge that those benefits are limited by payload type, operational range and operational conditions.

Read the whole report by Vadim Kramar (VTT) here.