A new survey by Honeywell reveals that nearly all U.S. airline passengers (98%) are open to incorporating eVTOL vehicles into their travel experience.
Commonly known as air taxis, these piloted AAM aircraft are on the verge of commercial operations in select international markets, with U.S. adoption expected to follow. The survey, which gathered insights from 1,000 U.S. adults who have flown recently, also indicates that nearly 8 out of 10 travelers (79%) would increase their travel frequency if air taxis were available for airport transfers.
Dave Shilliday, Vice president and General Manager of Advanced Air Mobility at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, said, “Anyone who travels regularly knows that the journey to and from the airport often adds unwelcome time, cost and hassle to the overall trip. Air taxis can offer a safe, fast and innovative alternative to traditional transport methods. Our research indicates significant appetite for such services already exists – but like any new technology, consumers need to feel confident about safety, cost and reliability. Air taxis may sound like science fiction to some, but we’re not far from a time when they could become a regular part of travel.”
The primary factor driving interest in air taxis is their ability to significantly reduce travel time. Many travelers view eVTOLs as a faster alternative for airport transfers or short intercity trips, with 47% citing the avoidance of traffic congestion as a key advantage. Additional motivators include:
- Ease of use and convenience (61%)
- Affordability (61%)
- Reduced environmental impact (44%)
- Novelty and curiosity (44%)
Millennials show the highest enthusiasm for air taxi travel, with 65% expressing interest, compared to 58% of overall respondents. Frequent travelers, particularly those who took more than 10 flights in the past year, are even more inclined (67%) to consider eVTOLs, while business travelers demonstrate greater interest (60%) than leisure travelers (45%).
Among potential applications, the most popular scenario involves trips between cities within 100 miles of each other (41%). For instance, an eVTOL could cover the distance between New York and Philadelphia in under an hour, compared to a two-to-three-hour drive. Other significant use cases include:
- Traveling from a suburban airport to a city center (31%)
- Reaching a connecting flight in a nearby city (28%)
While enthusiasm for air taxis is high, safety remains a top concern. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents emphasized the importance of safety in their decision to use an eVTOL. This concern spans all traveler demographics, reinforcing the need for the industry to prioritize stringent safety measures.
Honeywell’s Advanced Air Mobility division is at the forefront of developing nose-to-tail aviation technologies for next-generation aircraft. By working closely with AAM developers, regulatory bodies, and industry partners, Honeywell is accelerating the integration and certification of eVTOLs, helping to bring air taxis closer to mainstream adoption.
