Management of urban air mobility for sustainable and smart cities: Vertiport networks using a user-centred design

Purpose: Urban mobility is all about people as well as the climate change issue is a human issue. Thus, this research envisions to provide conditions and practical tools through the innovation in urban mobility by bringing urban air mobility (UAM) to cities worldwide, contributing to change lives for the better and reversing the global issue of climate change.Design/methodology/approach: This study goes through two phases: social feasibility and technical feasibility. Moreover, it incorporates a user-centred design based on the systematic engagement of people in the decision-making process alongside a parallel interaction with several stakeholders. An innovative roadmap based on real data and feedback is obtained to implement a vertiport network in Lisbon, Portugal.Findings: By tackling people and stakeholders’ concerns related to vertiport networks implementation (e.g., safety, security, environmental, travel costs, and noise pollution concerns), the people’s needs (e.g., time savings, contribution to less air pollution, enjoyment, and sending and purchasing merchandise) and stakeholders' needs (e.g., adaptation related to airspace and ground integration and capacity, enabling technology, and real-time update and share of data) might be addressed, as by-products. Plus, we could minimize concerns by maximizing opportunities, like optimizing the airspace architecture and enhancing current airspace operations, a chance for businesses to develop on-demand, innovative, and green technologies, and higher employment opportunities. Finally, we have discovered that driving positive global change requires inspiring others by addressing people’s needs and concerns and, by then, calling them to action.Originality/value: UAM’s market reveals a gap in engaging this technology with the people, which is the key enabler to success in the long run. Empathic communication is, therefore, an integral tool to bring urban air mobility to our lives and our world. So, this investigation thrives on humanizing technology to narrow the gap between the science community, public authorities, the industry, and consumers.