EHang, a leading urban air mobility (UAM) technology company, has achieved an important milestone. On January 16, 2025, the company successfully conducted the inaugural demonstration flight of its EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in downtown Shanghai, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of urban air transportation.

Vertiports are specialized infrastructure facilities designed for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. They are essential in the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative. These innovative facilities can be integrated into existing structures, such as skyscraper rooftops and parking structures.

The global vertiport market is rapidly expanding as an essential component of advanced air mobility (AAM) transportation system, reflecting a significant shift in urban transportation dynamics. Vertiports, designed for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aim to alleviate urban congestion and provide efficient, sustainable transport solutions in densely populated areas. This market is driven by increasing urbanization, technological advancements, and supportive government initiatives that recognize the potential of urban air transport to enhance connectivity and mobility.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is revolutionizing how people and goods move, especially in rural and isolated regions where traditional transportation lacks efficiency and reach. AAM promises faster connectivity, economic growth, and improved quality of life in remote areas powered by electric and hybrid-electric aircraft innovations, such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.

Baykar, a prominent Turkish defense company, is set to acquire Piaggio Aerospace, marking a significant change in the aviation industry. Piaggio, founded in 1884 and widely recognized for its Piaggio P.180 Avanti aircraft and recent unmanned aerial systems (UAS) innovations, has undergone a rough financial adversity, culminating in receivership in 2018. The Italian government approved the sale on December 27, 2024, underscoring the strategic importance of Piaggio to the nation’s aerospace capabilities and workforce.

The Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA) has secured the world’s first commercial-type certification for its four-seat electric aircraft, the RX4E, under Part 23 regulations. This milestone sets a new precedent for electric aviation globally, signaling that battery-powered planes are not just experimental prototypes—they are now poised for commercial operations.

The 2025 outlook for the vertiport and advanced air mobility (AAM) industry reflects a transformative period as the sector strives to transition from conceptualization to practical implementation. This rapidly evolving industry is dedicated to advancing urban air mobility, which promises to reshape how we travel within cities. It centers on innovative technologies, particularly electric and hydrogen-powered vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These aircraft are engineered to take off and land vertically, making them ideal for crowded urban settings where traditional runways are impractical.