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:
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Drones used for medical logistics, freight, and emergency operations
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eVTOL aircraft (electric vertical take-off and landing) for future air taxi and regional services
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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:
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A drone carrying critical medical supplies between a hospital and a rural clinic.
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A quiet, low-emission eVTOL aircraft taking passengers from Auckland to Hamilton in 25 minutes.
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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