By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill
The town of Houston is laying the groundwork for establishing an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) system in the encircling region. As a part of this effort, the Houston Airport System recently announced it was in discussions with several manufacturers of electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, about establishing vertiports for air taxis at the town’s three major airports. DroneLife recently conducted an interview with Jim Szczsesniak, director of Aviation for the Houston Airport System to debate the town’s vision for an AAM future.
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DroneLife: Please tell me what plans the Houston Aviation Department has for the creation of operations centers for eVTOL aircraft.
Szczsesniak: I’m excited concerning the potential for eVTOL aircraft in Houston, however it’s necessary to acknowledge that we’re still within the early stages of planning. We’re actively exploring the creation of operations centers for eVTOL aircraft at our three airports: George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU) and Ellington (EFD) airports. Initially, we’ll discover landing and take-off sites at out airports. Nevertheless, it’s essential to notice that these plans are still within the early stages, and lots of specifics have to be determined, primarily by the FAA and the manufacturers of eVTOLs.
DroneLife: What eVTOL corporations is the Department in negotiations with?
The Department has had discussions with a lot of the manufacturers similar to Wisk and Archer. We anticipate meeting with other manufacturers as their aircraft near certification.
DroneLife: Does the department require any special certifications from the FAA to permit piloted eVTOL operations at its facilities? Pilotless, autonomous eVTOL flights?
Szczsesniak: The Houston Airport System would require oversight from the FAA for each piloted and autonomous eVTOLs, because it does for all current flight operations. We’re closely monitoring developments on this area, but again, the industry as an entire must mature, and regulatory guidelines have to be established. Safety and compliance with FAA regulations are our top priorities on this endeavor.
DroneLife: Where on the airports’ properties would the eVTOL facilities be situated?
Szczsesniak: We’d like to locate the facilities to be convenient for passengers but additionally work operationally with our airspace. We’re assessing aspects similar to space availability, infrastructure requirements, and compatibility with existing flight operations as a part of our evaluation of potential locations for eVTOL operations.
DroneLife: Will any special facilities need to be built to accommodate eVTOL flights at Houston’s airports?
Szczsesniak: HAS can be seeking to match facilities with demand. Initially, we want to use existing facilities to handle start-up operations. Once the long run demand becomes slightly clearer, we’ll assess infrastructure requirements and explore options for the event of dedicated facilities to support the protected and efficient operation of eVTOL aircraft.
DroneLife: Has the town budgeted any money for the creation of an eVTOL operations system in Houston?
Szczsesniak: The initial plan for eVTOL infrastructure is to make use of existing facilities on the airports. This may increasingly require some painting and minor lighting system upgrades, so not much is initially forecast. Because the market develops more funding could also be required, but we don’t have an estimate for that yet.
DroneLife: Along with constructing vertiports at Houston’s three major airports, does the Aviation Departments have any plans for creating takeoff and landing sites off the airport property?
Szczsesniak: Again, it’s too early to say, as these plans are still within the conceptual phase. Further evaluation and coordination with relevant stakeholders can be required before any specific plans will be finalized.
DroneLife: What’s the demand for eVTOL flight operations in Houston?
Szczsesniak: The demand for eVTOL flight operations in Houston has the potential to be significant, considering the town’s robust transportation needs and population growth.
To supply some context, Bush Airport currently sees around 2 million passengers annually utilizing rideshare services for airport drop-offs. If even only one percent of those passengers go for eVTOL transportation, it could translate to an estimated 55 trips per day to the airport. This demonstrates the potential for eVTOLs to capture a portion of the prevailing market demand for airport transportation services. Because the industry continues to evolve and awareness of eVTOL technology increases, we anticipate further growth in demand for this progressive mode of transportation in Houston.
DroneLife: What form of passenger is anticipated to wish to use this service?
Szczsesniak: We expect a various range of passengers to utilize eVTOL services, including business flyers, casual travelers, and vacationers. The convenience and efficiency of air travel, especially in congested urban areas, will appeal to a broad demographic.
DroneLife: How is traveling in an eVTOL aircraft from certainly one of Houston’s airports different from using ground transportation when it comes to convenience? When it comes to price?
Szczsesniak: Traveling in an eVTOL aircraft would offer several benefits over traditional ground transportation, including greater speed, flexibility and convenience. Passengers could enjoy direct, point-to-point transportation with minimal delays and congestion. While pricing may vary depending on aspects similar to route and demand, eVTOL services at our airports should aim to offer competitive pricing comparable to premium ground transportation options.
DroneLife: The nearby city of Sugar Land has announced its vision of making a regional eVTOL system within the greater Houston area. Is Houston’s Aviation Department aware of those plans and is the Department coordinating with Sugar Land on this project?
Szczsesniak: We’re aware of Sugar Land’s plans to create a regional eVTOL system and acknowledge the potential advantages of collaboration on this area. While our focus is totally on the combination of eVTOL operations inside our own jurisdiction, we recognize the importance of coordination and collaboration with neighboring communities to make sure a cohesive and efficient regional transportation network.
DroneLife: Does the town of Houston have an overall plan for making a regional system to accommodate eVTOL flights in the realm?
Szczsesniak: While we don’t have a finalized plan for making a regional system to accommodate eVTOL flights within the Houston area, again, we’re starting with identification of landing sites for eVTOLs at our airports. We recognize the potential advantages of integrating eVTOLs into our transportation network and are actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders to explore potential routes, infrastructure requirements, and operational considerations.
DroneLife: Does the Aviation Department have any plans to sell the general public on the thought of traveling in air taxis, particularly ones with out a pilot?
Szczsesniak: We’re committed to engaging with the general public and promoting awareness and understanding of EVTOL technology and its advantages, and we understand the importance of public education and outreach. Because the industry evolves and eVTOL services turn into more widely available, we’ll proceed to work closely with stakeholders to facilitate public acceptance and adoption of this progressive mode of transportation.
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