## World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India Takes Leadership in Advanced Air Mobility Discussions

India, January 2024: The World Economic Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in India (C4IR India) had the honor of chairing and moderating pivotal sessions on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) at Wings India 2024 – India’s biannual aviation extravaganza lead by The Ministry of Civil Aviation. These sessions were meticulously crafted to address the manufacturing landscape of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicles in India, convening key stakeholders from both global and Indian aviation sectors. Central to these discussions were nuanced deliberations on regulatory frameworks and the Concept of Operations (CONOPS), featuring notable representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).The proceedings were further enriched by addresses from distinguished members, including Mr. Vumlunmang Vualnam, the Aviation Secretary of India, and Mr. Vikram Dev Dutt, the Director General of the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA), underlining the significance of the deliberations and the strategic importance of AAM for India's aviation sector.10 Point Summary of Discussions at Wings India 2024:Sustainable Skies: Wings India 2024 explored Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), highlighting its potential to address sustainability challenges and alleviate urban congestion, offering a futuristic solution to soaring urban populations. Economic Lift-off: A crucial focal point was the economic advantages of AAM, dissecting the cost benefits and green potential of Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles powered by electric motors and batteries. Global Standards: Discussions underscored the necessity for global harmonization of certification standards, emphasizing the need for standardized regulations to ensure the safe integration of AAM into global airspace. Cost Efficiency: Strategies to lower operating costs took center stage, with insights into the role of Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MROs) and the dynamics of supply and demand in the manufacturing sector in India. India's AAM Roadmap: Presenters outlined a comprehensive roadmap for India's AAM journey, stressing the importance of building vertiports and robust infrastructure. Collaboration with local governments and municipalities emerged as a key theme. Air Traffic Management: Managing airspace and air navigation complexities in the AAM landscape was explored, highlighting the need for a coordinated effort between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies. CONOPS for India: The sessions concluded with a discussion on the imperative need for a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) tailored to India. Insights drawn from NASA's approach emphasized efficiency and identification of the "lowest hanging fruit." Greener Propulsion: The sessions showcased the pivotal role of electric propulsion in AAM, not just for economic benefits but also as a step towards a greener and more sustainable aviation sector. Collaboration for Success: Collaborative efforts with local governments and municipalities emerged as a recurring theme, underlining the importance of establishing a conducive environment for AAM operations. Promise for the Future: Wings India 2024 solidified the promise of AAM, where sustainability, collaboration, and innovative solutions converge, paving the way for an efficient, economical, and environmentally conscious future of air transportation.