What is Advanced Air Mobility?

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) represents the next evolution in aviation - a connected ecosystem of new and emerging aircraft technologies designed to move people, goods, and essential services across New Zealand to service places not previously served, or underserved by existing aviation services.

AAM includes a wide range of aircraft such as:

Drones used for medical logistics, freight, and emergency operations
eVTOL aircraft (electric vertical take-off and landing) for future air taxi and regional services
eCTOL and hybrid aircraft offering low-emissions solutions for longer-range travel

Together, these capabilities enable safe, fast, and more flexible transport without relying solely on traditional airports or runways.

Much like electric vehicles are reshaping ground transport, advanced air mobility will transform how communities access healthcare, connect with services, and move around the country — especially in regional and remote areas.

Potential Benefits of AAM

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Advanced Air Mobility can deliver fast, reliable emergency logistics - enhancing national resilience and health outcomes. By reaching isolated communities and bypassing congestion, AAM strengthens equitable healthcare access and enables more efficient disaster response. This contributes directly to government priorities in public safety, rural support, and healthcare equity.

Economic Growth

AAM unlocks a new innovation economy at the intersection of aviation, energy, and digital infrastructure. Investment in this sector will drive high-skilled jobs, stimulate regional development, and attract global capital. Scalable deployment opportunities position New Zealand as a world leader in advanced mobility, reinforcing national competitiveness and long-term economic value.

Tourism and Mobility

By enabling fast, direct, and multi-modal connectivity, AAM could enhance mobility for residents, and expand access to high-value tourism destinations. Improved transport efficiency can reduce barriers to regional visitation, diversifying and strengthening local economies. This aligns with national goals to boost tourism growth while improving everyday mobility for communities.

Environment

Electric and low-emission AAM solutions have the potential to reduce aviation-related carbon output and noise, while limiting the need for disruptive infrastructure. Smarter, cleaner transport supports New Zealand’s climate commitments and sustainability leadership. Every flight becomes part of a broader transition toward a greener, more future-ready transportation network.

What AAM Looks Like in New Zealand

Imagine:

A drone carrying critical medical supplies between a hospital and a rural clinic.

A quiet, low-emission eVTOL aircraft taking passengers from Auckland to Hamilton in 25 minutes.

A business shipping time-sensitive goods between North Island ports using clean electric aircraft.

These are not distant ideas — they are part of the roadmap VertiLink is building today

Why New Zealand is Ready

New Zealand’s geography, strong renewable energy base and globally respected aviation system make it the perfect testbed for AAM.

Our mix of rural and urban regions, combined with forward-thinking iwi and councils, creates an environment where innovation can move quickly and responsibly.

VertiLink’s role is to turn these opportunities into a cohesive, scalable national network — starting with the Bay of Plenty and Tāmaki Makaurau and expanding across the motu.