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The Next Transportation Frontier: Autonomous Aerial Vehicles

Cristina Lara - Air Mobility
CEO

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Sofía Hanna By Sofía Hanna | Journalist and Industry Analyst - Fri, 05/26/2023 - 08:11

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Q: What sets Air Mobility apart from drone distributors and operators?

A: Air Mobility is a 100% Mexican company that was born to promote urban air mobility. To do so, it has a distribution contract with EHang, the industry leader in the field of air mobility. Together, we want to position Mexico and the Latin American region at the forefront of airspace use. 

Q: What are the biggest challenges to the widespread use of autonomous aerial vehicles?

A: The major challenge we have faced is regulation. Neither Mexico nor any other country have regulations in place for drones carrying people, so we operate in a gray area. Working hand in hand with authorities and adapting to their timing is a significant challenge. However, it is a path that we must tread sooner or later because this is a global trend and drones will be present in different markets, offering solutions for various purposes.

The second major challenge we foresee is changing the mindset that aircraft need to be operated by a physically present pilot. Once we start operating, people will adapt to this new mobility, which is new for both passengers and cargo. We need to change minds to generate confidence that the vehicle is truly designed to operate automatically, following pre-approved and pre-authorized flight plans. At that point, the ground-based pilot's role is to monitor the flight, maintaining constant communication with the passengers. Unlike a helicopter, if something happens, there is always a copilot on the ground. However, their intervention would be minimal because the drone already has all the parameters to execute the flight. A ground-based pilot can also monitor up to five flights simultaneously, making it cost-efficient. 

Q: In terms of sustainability, why is it a better option to use autonomous aerial vehicles?

A: We plan to use 100% electric equipment, not a hybrid version. The drones come with a charging module that directly connects to the electrical power supply to recharge its batteries. This is a completely eco-friendly solution. While the technology has the disadvantage of limited flight duration and autonomy, efforts are being made to make it increasingly efficient. For now, the urban air taxi service is more than sufficient for both scenic flights and short routes within the city. A 30-minute flight can cover around 35km, crossing cities without any major problem.

Q: How does Air Mobility ensure the safety and autonomy of its drone services in Mexico? Are there any unique features or technologies that set it apart in this aspect?

A: EHang drones are the only drones available commercially, regardless of the regulatory processes that will eventually give us the green light for end-user operations. These drones have already completed over 30,000 flights worldwide and flown in over 12 countries. We hope that soon they will also fly in Mexico. These drones have double and triple redundancies in all critical components. The model we are acquiring has 16 motors and 16 propellers. If one fails, we have another 15 to compensate and the pilot can intervene to direct it to the nearest emergency landing point. There are many actions that can be taken in case of failure to prevent accidents. Of these 30,000 flights, there has not been a single accident. 

Q: As the official distributor of EHang in Mexico, what advantages does Air Mobility offer customers interested in acquiring these products? 

A: We are the manufacturer's hands in Mexico, providing support in the local language. The company provides training, support and spare parts to those who wish to have their own fleet for scenic flights or air taxi services. Local clients do not have to wait for responses from China or deal with urgent shipping by boat or plane. Having operations in Mexico will greatly facilitate day-to-day operations. 

As the manufacturer's representatives, we handle all regulatory and administrative procedures to obtain the necessary certifications for future operations. This process is fully supported by EHang, both from the headquarters in China and the subsidiary in Spain that serves the region. This way, end customers do not have to worry about handling all these procedures themselves. 

As operators, we have already paved the way and established the requirements that will be needed by new entrants coming to the country. If someone wants to operate, the precedent has already been set by Air Mobility.

Q: Who is Air Mobility's target customer base in Mexico and what industries or sectors benefit the most from the company’s drone services?

A: Air Mobility focuses on scenic flights, short city routes and panoramic flights in tourist areas. However, the company does not directly cover all the towns and beaches. We are open to commercializing the equipment and supporting other companies that want to provide such solutions. The clients that can benefit from Air Mobility's services are those in the tourism sector who want to offer these amenities to their end customers. Air Mobility can assist in reaching their goals. We have the flexibility to tailor the solution to their specific needs.

These services can also benefit companies that transport passengers, such as taxi services, bus companies, executive vehicle services and ferry companies that transport passengers from a port to a small island, like Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. These companies’ air mobility can be a natural extension of their existing passenger transport business, offering this new service to some of their customers. Air operators that have a fleet of helicopters can consider expanding  with this type of electric vehicle, which can be a good option due to cost efficiency, leading to an attractive price for the end user. This service does not replace helicopters; it addresses a specific need for short flights.

The potential client base is broader than passenger transport. Logistics is a crucial aspect that the company will explore in urban air mobility. Delivery companies involved in last-mile or pre-last-mile deliveries in certain scenarios are also potential candidates for this equipment. Finally, we also provide drone shows, which use small drones equipped with colorful lights that can create visual effects for marketing and innovative product launches. This is a unique alternative to traditional fireworks, allowing for captivating visual presentations and providing companies with creative marketing solutions without the pollution associated with fireworks.

Q: What are Air Mobility's plans for expansion or diversification of its services in Mexico? 

A: We are fully focusing on passenger drones but if a company approaches us with a specific project, we can analyze it and try to find a solution. Drones can be useful in various vertical markets, including agriculture, mapping and electrical inspections. Through our partnership with EHang, we can commercialize and distribute products in Mexico and Latin America. We also have plans to expand Air Mobility to other countries, particularly in tourist areas.

 

Air Mobility is a Mexican company that sells, markets and operates drones and equipment for safe, autonomous, ecological and sustainable aerial mobility. It is the official distributor of EHang in Mexico.

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