Urban Air Mobility Systems, which include on-demand Passenger Air Vehicles (PAVs), are the next frontier in aviation innovation. Passenger Air Vehicles are autonomously-piloted, electric aircraft that transport 1 to 4 passengers at low altitudes within densely populated metropolitan areas. These air taxis promise to offer an eco-friendly alternative to road traffic emissions and congestion. However, successful implementation of PAVs is largely dependent on acceptance and eventual use by the public. In this study we examine two research questions: (1) what are the initial perceptions of PAVs from the public; and (2) what are the differences in perceptions, behavior, and intent to ride between early, moderate, late, and laggard adopters of PAV technology. A quantitative survey was administered with 407 respondents across the United States, which provides insights and general perceptions of PAVs as an autonomous aircraft system concept. The technology acceptance model is applied as a framework to estimate acceptance and use of the PAV technology across user groups. The technology adoption lifecycle model is used to characterize technology adopter profiles and rates of adoption. Survey respondents are classified into one of four PAV adopter group levels based on their response to how soon after PAVs are available to the public they would be willing to ride. These adopter groups are labeled as early, moderate, late, and laggard. Statistical analyses were performed on the data, where chi-square tests and ordered logistic regression models are presented to quantify differences between PAV adopter groups (early vs moderate vs late vs laggard adopters). Key results indicate that respondents classified as early adopters of PAVs are more trusting of PAV technology, willing to pay more to ride, and exhibit higher risk tolerance in their overall general behaviors. Interestingly, these earlier adopters have shorter daily commutes. Later PAV adopters are less trusting of PAV technology and present as risk-adverse. These later adopters need more in-flight feedback and an on-board pilot to consider riding, as compared to earlier adopters. All respondents, regardless of adopter group, expect additional in-flight safety feedback (i.e., displays relating to current and projected flight operations) beyond the level of safety systems found in conventional aircraft (i.e., seatbelts, air quality). Respondents also do not perceive PAVs as an immediate replacement for daily trips. PAV noise, which is often cited as a concern with community acceptance of PAVs, is not found to be a crucial in-cabin deterrent to PAV ridership. These insights are beneficial to Urban Air Mobility stakeholders, ranging from community members to manufacturers to operators to policy makers, in achieving full-scale system integration and the envisioned value of PAVs, both in near- and long-term adoption.
In accordance with this year’s symposium theme, The Power of Connection, the audience may find inspiration in aviation innovation and the emerging technology of Passenger Air Vehicles (PAVs), which have the potential to connect people in a faster, more convenient and more eco-friendly way than ever before. This study provides insights about PAV adopters and what drives their human behavior and intention to adopt new technology. This research is built on human systems integration framework and can provide methodological support to other research. This research focuses on sustainable integration of technology to meet users’ needs and expectations. Findings from this study also highlight community acceptance and integration of emerging technology. Audience members with ties to aviation, transportation, automation, and/or community integration will find value in this talk.