Air traffic management (ATM) group D3 Technologies is partnering with prospective eVTOL aircraft operator Walle Mobility to prepare for the launch of advanced air mobility (AAM) services in Italy. Under an agreement announced this week, the companies are collaborating to develop a concept of operations for an air taxi network across several cities.
In January, Walle reached an agreement with Jaunt Air Mobility to use the U.S. manufacturer’s five-seat Journey eVTOL aircraft for operations it plans to launch in Italy in 2026. It plans to start with short sectors of up to around 30 miles, but Jaunt says the aircraft would be able to support flights of at least 80 miles.
Germany-based D3 Technologies is developing a package of ATM technologies consisting of a ground station, communications equipment, and avionics to be installed on the eVTOL aircraft. Using drones, it has been conducting trial operations in the Munich area and has been aiming to expand this pilot project to a larger region during 2022. Last year, the company raised around $3.5 million in a funding round.
D3 claims its ATM concept is unique in consisting of an integrated air-ground system that automatically allows aircraft to fly their preferred routes. The airborne component will allow the air vehicle to stay on its assigned route, and will automatically receive updates from the ground segment on other air traffic, airspace availability, and obstacles to ensure conflict-free routes.
According to chief commercial operator Aachim Kostron, Italy’s geography is well suited to the development of AAM services for business and leisure customers. “There are two large cities [Milan and Rome], more than 800 islands, a third of the surface is made up of mountains, and nearby big cities are often 100 to 200 km away from each other,” he explained. "There’s a huge potential for leisure and sightseeing flights—for example, in Florence, Naples, Venice, and other locations.”
D3 already has several other partnerships through which it is providing ATM expertise to companies including Varon Vehicles, Manta Aircraft, and Flynow Aviation. It is also a member of the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium and is helping with work to define urban air traffic control plans for the country.
