With urban traffic congestion and delays reaching a breaking point, 'electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOL)' are transforming the skies into new roadways. This technology is not merely about providing a faster means of travel—it heralds the dawn of an 'urban air mobility revolution', simultaneously redesigning city structures, industrial ecosystems, and lifestyles.

In particular, China’s EHang has made a significant mark in global aviation history by becoming the first in the world to obtain all certifications required for commercial eVTOL operations. However, EHang is not the only player in this arena. The United States, Germany, Japan, and Korea, among others, are entering the aerial race with strategies of their own.

The global eVTOL market has entered an explosive growth curve since the mid-2020s. According to market research, the market—valued at approximately $350 million in 2024—is projected to grow to $27 billion by 2034. Some reports forecast it surpassing $50 billion by 2035.

This growth can be summarized in three key drivers:

1. Traffic congestion relief. In densely populated cities like New York, London, and Seoul, expanding roads and railways has already hit physical limits.

2. Advancements in battery and electric propulsion. The commercialization of high-output 'electric motors' and lightweight 'composite materials' has made eVTOL manufacturing a reality.

3. Stronger environmental regulations. To meet carbon neutrality targets, governments are investing in low-carbon, zero-emission modes of transportation.

Demand is also diversifying beyond the initial 'premium business travel' and 'tourism' markets into 'emergency medical services', 'cargo transport', 'airport–city shuttles', and 'long-distance commuting'.

In the United States, Joby Aviation is pursuing 'Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)' certification, with the goal of launching commercial operations in Dubai in 2026 and providing UAM services for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Archer Aviation is working to open a New York–Newark route, while Wisk Aero is focused on developing fully 'autonomous flight' aircraft. Beta Technologies aims to expand into rural and mountainous markets with electric 'fixed-wing aircraft'.

In Germany, Lilium is developing the 'Lilium Jet', designed for a maximum range of over 300 km, targeting the long-distance, high-speed UAM market. Volocopter plans to operate its short-range, city-focused 'Volocity' during the Paris Olympics.

Japan plans to introduce SkyDrive’s eVTOL for demonstration flights at the 2025 Osaka–Kansai Expo. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has created an 'Urban Air Mobility Roadmap' and is preparing the regulatory and infrastructure framework for commercialization in the 2030s.

In Korea, Hyundai Motor Group is targeting 2028 for commercialization. In the U.S. market, it is preparing to launch under the 'Supernal' brand, considering routes such as Gimpo Airport–downtown Seoul and Incheon Airport–Songdo. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is running the 'K-UAM Grand Challenge' to strengthen public–private cooperation.

China’s EHang, based in Guangzhou, has accelerated commercialization through strategic collaboration with regulatory bodies. Its flagship model, the EH216-S, obtained a 'Type Certificate', 'Airworthiness Certificate', 'Production Certificate', and 'Air Operator Certificate' in 2023. It is the only eVTOL in the world to have all four certifications.

The EH216-S seats up to two passengers, has a top speed of 130 km/h, and a range of about 30 km, with fully autonomous flight capability. It is equipped with a multi-'sensor' 'collision avoidance system', 'remote control', and an 'emergency landing algorithm' to enhance safety.

EHang has begun paid sightseeing flights in Guangzhou and Hefei, and under China’s 'low-altitude economy' strategy, it plans to establish a networked 'vertiport network' in major cities nationwide by 2030. The market is projected to reach 3 trillion yuan (about $326 billion).

The core infrastructure for eVTOL operations is the 'vertiport'. Manhattan, New York, is converting existing heliports for eVTOL use, while Dubai is building over four vertiports connecting downtown, airports, and tourist destinations. London’s Heathrow Airport also has plans to link to the city via vertiport.

On the technology front, 'ultra-fast charging systems', 'battery swap designs', and 'AI-based route optimization' are gaining attention. Germany is developing the 'Digital Sky' system integrating air traffic control and UAM, and Japan is testing a real-time route management system combining '5G' and 'satellite communication'.

The commercialization of eVTOL will bring social changes far beyond improved transportation efficiency.

First, it could enable urban restructuring. While existing public transit networks focus on rail and road, eVTOL could form a 'three-dimensional network' directly connecting downtowns, suburbs, islands, and mountainous regions.

For example, travel between Seoul and Incheon Airport currently takes over an hour, but with eVTOL, it could be reduced to under 10 minutes. This would have effects beyond convenience—potentially encouraging more suburban living and reshaping residential–business hubs.

The economic ripple effect will be significant. The Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry will create jobs in aircraft manufacturing, infrastructure construction, software, battery technology, air traffic management systems, and service operations. In the U.S., full-scale UAM commercialization could generate over 280,000 direct and indirect jobs. In Korea, vertiport construction, operations, maintenance, and control staffing could drive notable job growth.

From an environmental perspective, there are both advantages and limitations. eVTOL uses electric propulsion, producing virtually zero 'carbon emissions' in flight. Compared to helicopters, noise could be reduced by up to 90%, significantly easing community opposition in cities and tourist areas. However, environmental burdens arise during battery production, energy sourcing, and end-of-life battery disposal. If the electricity comes from fossil fuels, the benefits of “zero-carbon flight” could be limited.

Safety assurance remains a critical challenge. Operating in more complex low-altitude environments than conventional aircraft, eVTOL requires perfected 'collision avoidance systems', onboard and external sensors, and emergency landing procedures. Autonomous flight systems must also account for 'cybersecurity' risks, such as malicious hacking that could alter routes or disrupt operations—posing a potential “airborne ransomware” threat.

Public acceptance is another key factor. While many citizens recognize the necessity and convenience of the technology, psychological barriers to boarding remain high. In a 2023 European Union survey, 54% of respondents said they were unwilling to board an autonomous eVTOL immediately. During early commercialization, operating both piloted and autonomous aircraft in parallel could help build trust.

Finally, there is the matter of social equity. If initial fares are set too high, eVTOL risks becoming a transportation mode for the wealthy, creating “sky route inequality.” Ensuring public access through integration with public transport, government subsidies, and fare regulations will be essential.

Commercial paid operations begin in select cities in China, the U.S., and Europe. Dubai, Guangzhou, New York, London, and Osaka emerge as leading cities, primarily offering airport–downtown, tourist link, and premium commuter services. Korea uses the K-UAM Grand Challenge to gather operational data, complete legal and institutional frameworks, and Japan leverages the Osaka–Kansai Expo to plan expansion to major cities.

Routes expand significantly, including eVTOL ambulance services, intercity cargo transport, and links to islands and mountainous regions. Fares gradually decline. Battery swap designs and ultra-fast charging technology increase daily flight frequency. Internationally, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) establishes eVTOL operational standards, spurring cross-border regulatory harmonization.

eVTOL becomes integrated with ground transit systems. For example, passengers transfer directly from subway stations to vertiports, boarding eVTOLs to other cities—realizing the “sky rail” concept. In some countries, airline ticketing platforms and public transit apps integrate, enabling single-platform booking and payment for buses, subways, eVTOL, and trains.

Long-distance eVTOLs or hybrid-electric aircraft operate on some intercontinental routes. International sky corridors connect major cities in North America, Europe, and East Asia, reshaping travel, logistics, and business mobility. The 'International Urban Air Mobility Network' launches based on intergovernmental agreements, with some routes replacing short-haul passenger flights.

By the early 2040s, reductions in manufacturing and maintenance costs could make eVTOLs as common as today’s taxis or buses. However, challenges such as securing battery resources, recycling systems, managing aging aircraft, and adapting to weather instability from climate change will remain.