Porsche and Boeing join hands to develop new urban air mobility ecosystem

Stuttgart, Germany (Urban Transport News): German automobile manufacturer Porsche AG and American multinational corporation Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the premium urban air mobility market and the extension of urban traffic into airspace. With this partnership, both companies will leverage their unique market strengths and insights to study the future of premium personal urban air mobility vehicles. Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board, Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, said:

Porsche is looking to enhance its scope as a sports car manufacturer by becoming a leading brand for premium mobility. In the longer term, this could mean moving into the third dimension of travel. We are combining the strengths of two leading global companies to address a potential key market segment of the future.

As part of the partnership, the companies will create an international team to address various aspects of urban air mobility, including analysis of the market potential for premium vehicles and possible use cases. According to the joint media release, Boeing, Porsche, and Boeing subsidiary, Aurora Flight Sciences are also developing a concept for a fully electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. Engineers from both companies, as well as Porsche subsidiaries Porsche Engineering Services GmbH and Studio F.A. Porsche, will implement and test a prototype. Steve Nordlund, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing NeXt, said:

This collaboration builds on our efforts to develop a safe and efficient new mobility ecosystem and provides an opportunity to investigate the development of a premium urban air mobility vehicle with a leading automotive brand. Porsche and Boeing together bring precision engineering, style, and innovation to accelerate urban air mobility worldwide.

In a study conducted in 2018 by Porsche Consulting, it has been forecasted that the urban air mobility market will pick up speed after 2025. The study also shows that urban air mobility solutions will transport passengers more quickly and efficiently than current conventional means of terrestrial transport, at a lower cost and with greater flexibility. Boeing Company is the world's largest aerospace manufacturer and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top US exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing has employed more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, the company continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.