Los Angeles Air Taxis: Preparing for Takeoff

Preparing Los Angeles for Air Taxi Technology

A nonprofit organization, originating from the office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, is collaborating with air taxi developers and local communities. Their goal is to create a comprehensive policy framework before commercial air taxi operations begin later this decade.

Significant challenges remain before this becomes a reality. Obtaining certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for the aircraft is a substantial undertaking. Beyond this, careful planning is needed for the necessary infrastructure, specifically vertiports – designated locations for air taxi takeoff and landing.

Addressing Potential Concerns

The development of vertiports introduces important considerations. Issues such as noise pollution and adherence to existing zoning regulations must be addressed. These factors could impact both residents and the broader transportation system.

Urban Movement Labs' Role

Established in 2020 as an independent 501c(3) nonprofit, Urban Movement Labs (UML) was initially part of the mayor’s Office of Economic Development. Its mission is to proactively shape the future of urban mobility within the city.

This year, UML initiated a partnership with the mayor’s office and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. This collaboration focuses on integrating urban air mobility (UAM) into the city’s existing infrastructure and transportation networks, prioritizing equity and accessibility.

Funding and Partnerships

The partnership receives financial support from both Archer Aviation and Hyundai’s Urban Air Mobility division.

According to Sam Morrissey, UML’s executive director, “We have a commitment from Hyundai and Archer to actually focus on assisting us in developing this policy toolkit.” This toolkit will encompass policies related to flight paths, landing zones outside of traditional airports, and planning for vertiport development.

Expanding Collaboration

Volocopter, a German UAM developer, recently joined UML as a partner earlier this month.

Proactive Regulation

“Our role is to really facilitate the new deployment of technology in Los Angeles,” Morrissey stated. The city aims to avoid reactive regulation, a situation that occurred following the introduction of services like Uber, Lyft, and scooter rentals.

“Particularly in 2016, when Uber Elevate began discussing flying taxis, the city of Los Angeles recognized the need for a dedicated entity to manage this emerging technology.”

Navigating the Infrastructure Landscape

Urban Movement Labs (UML) aims to connect the city, private sector, and the people of Los Angeles. Aligning these three viewpoints presents complexities, particularly with the impending arrival of electric air taxis. Numerous hurdles, ranging from fire safety and zoning regulations to noise concerns and stakeholder disagreements, require resolution.

The establishment of vertiports exemplifies these challenges. While aircraft certification falls under the FAA’s authority, constructing ground infrastructure is a local matter, as Joby’s head of government affairs, Greg Bowles, explained to TechCrunch. Permitting, access, and usage are all municipal responsibilities.

Currently, companies are largely focusing on market demand when planning routes – mirroring existing premium ride-sharing services like Uber Black. However, Urban Movement Labs advocates for integrating this with broader regional planning, ensuring UAM complements existing transportation systems long-term.

Zoning and site selection pose further difficulties. Beyond potential “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) resistance, the number of flights per hour a vertiport can accommodate will influence its capacity for different air taxi operators.

Although Archer and Joby have partnered with REEF Technology to repurpose parking garages as vertiport locations – a strategy UML supports – city regulations still need to be satisfied before passenger service can begin.

Morrissey emphasized that even converting a parking garage roof requires approval from building and safety departments to verify structural integrity and adequate fire suppression systems.

A key consideration is whether vertiports will be exclusive to certain companies or shared. They could function like airport gates – universally accessible – or gas stations – branded and competitive. This distinction could become a point of contention between the city, residents, and air taxi providers.

Initially, collaboration on standards – such as noise reduction and charging protocols – may be the most efficient path to commercialization and widespread adoption for many companies.

Bowles stated that Joby views vertiport standardization as a collaborative effort, working with other manufacturers and future operators rather than a competitive arena. “We have to build this together,” he noted.

Ultimately, the question of funding remains central to the discussion.

Archer’s head of business development, Andrew Cummins, explained to TechCrunch that vertiport funding will involve a combination of capital investment and discussions with the city regarding access and potential community impacts of open versus restricted access.

Clint Harper, UML’s urban air mobility fellow, echoed this sentiment, stating that Los Angeles prefers an “OEM-ambiguous” infrastructure. The final network’s structure will depend on whether vertiports are entirely private or developed through public-private partnerships, influencing funding models and operator exclusivity.

Volocopter’s chief commercial officer, Christian Bauer, conveyed to TechCrunch that the company advocates for an open system accessible to all manufacturers, adding that they do not intend to invest directly in real estate.

Urban Air Mobility: Collaboration and Future Planning

Addressing the numerous challenges presented by urban air mobility (UAM) will require substantial time and effort. Resolution of key issues is anticipated to span several years. A significant factor contributing to this timeline is the ongoing wait for definitive guidance from federal regulatory bodies.

Harper communicated to TechCrunch that Urban Movement Labs (UML) is maintaining a flexible approach. This is due to the continuous evolution of recommendations originating from the FAA, the National Fire Protection Association, and the International Code Council’s building code development processes.

Air taxi manufacturers are proactively engaging with federal authorities. They are contributing to the formulation of emerging policies. Companies such as Archer, Joby, and Volocopter are collaborating with both federal regulators and local city governments.

Engaging Stakeholders and Addressing Equity

UML is expanding its outreach to encompass a broader range of stakeholders in the coming months and years. This includes transportation advocacy groups, such as those focused on pedestrian and cyclist safety. They are also connecting with social issue organizations addressing concerns like homelessness.

The goal is to comprehensively understand the implications of urban air mobility and facilitate effective planning. Equity is a central consideration in transportation planning. This is to prevent the repetition of historical inequities, such as the disproportionate exposure of communities of color and low-income residents to vehicle emissions, as highlighted by the Union of Concerned Scientists in California.

Preparing City Infrastructure and Departments

A key aspect of the work at the city level involves ensuring that all relevant departments are fully informed about the latest advancements in vertiport technology. This includes updating building, safety, and fire departments.

Dedicated staffing is crucial. These departments need personnel assigned to specifically prepare for the arrival of vertiports and the associated new infrastructure requirements.

Morrissey emphasized that UML is prioritizing a careful and systematic approach.

“We recognize that these vehicles are inevitably coming, and our aim is to proactively plan for their integration while avoiding excessive speculation.”

Note: A correction has been made to the original article. Joby Aviation was previously incorrectly identified as a partner with Urban Movement Labs. The organization confirms that Joby Aviation has never been a partner. We apologize for this inaccuracy.