In Jan 2022, we talked about how AAM had the potential to transform how people and cargo are moved.

Looking ahead in 2023, we anticipate several trends in this emerging aviation market. Our top three are:

1. Increased investment. New technologies like drones and AAM constitute a growing sector of aviation, and investors are taking note. In the first ten months of 2022, investors made a total of $14 billion in investments in AAM start-ups.
2. More government support of emerging aviation. Looking ahead to 2023 and beyond, nations with emerging use of AAM will take actions to further support new entrants.
3. More market competition. Newer drone manufacturers like US-based Skydio are increasing competition for better-performing aircraft with enhanced functions like better object tracking.

Reed Smith has been at the forefront of providing legal advice and guidance for drones, eVTOL and other unmanned aircraft since 2015. Stay tuned to our news and developments on this exciting frontier of aviation.

Authors: Oliver Beiersdorf, Richard Hakes, Catriona Henderson, Julia Norsetter, Simon Spells and Hui Ling Teo