Urban mobility is evolving rapidly and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), once relegated to the world of science fiction, is fast becoming a tangible reality, radically transforming the way we view urban and out-of-town travel. In Italy, a significant step forward was taken on 6 October 2022 with the inauguration of the first vertiport at the Airports of Rome, marking a tangible turning point in this cutting-edge sector. The SEA Group, which manages the main airports in Lombardy, has also long embraced the ambitious goal of creating a network of vertiports in Italy, starting with Milan and Lombardy. This strategy is in line with the directives of ENAC’s 2021-2030 National Strategic Plan, which envisages the creation of vertiports in the Milan area as well.

With projections that see 60% of the world’s population living in large urban agglomerations by 2030, UAM offers an innovative solution for addressing problems such as pollution, traffic congestion and inefficient use of urban space. UAM air taxis promise to significantly reduce travel time, offering a fast and efficient alternative to conventional land transport. For example, an air taxi could cover 150 km in just 40 minutes, a speed beyond the possibilities of a traditional car.

The challenges faced include the development of advanced electric aircraft, the creation of infrastructure such as vertiports, and urban air traffic management. Security remains a key priority, as do the need to change public perception and the adoption of effective regulations.