DLR and DGLR shape exchange on current technologies and future concepts for innovative air mobility
Stakeholder forum lays foundations for further development of Vertiport research infrastructures
The 5th Innovative Air Mobility Symposium (IAM SYM 2025) took place in Göttingen on 17 and 18 November, 2025. The conference was organized by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), represented by DLR Institute of Flight Guidance, in cooperation with the German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics (DGLR).
Under the theme “Overcoming Challenges and Shaping the Future of Innovative Air Mobility,” experts from research, industry, and public authorities discussed current developments, technical challenges, and future perspectives in new forms of air mobility. Key topics included the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles into the airspace, concepts for urban and regional air mobility, vertiport infrastructure, and other aspects including noise reduction and societal acceptance. The symposium provided an overview of the current state of research and of ongoing projects in the field of innovative air transport systems. Presentations, discussion sessions and posters highlighted how new technologies, automation, and artificial intelligence can contribute to the safe and sustainable use of airspace.
Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) Stakeholder Forum
The second Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) Stakeholder Forum, which focused on dedicated take-off and landing sites for vertical take-off and landing aircraft (Vertiports), also took place as part of the event on 18 November 2025. The forum offered participants the opportunity to learn about initial concept designs for DLR’s vertiport research infrastructure, where two demonstrators are planned, one with modular urban environment and another with the integration of Magdeburg-Cochstedt Airport within the framework of the project VERTIFIED (Vertiport Research Infrastructure for Innovation Exploration and Demonstration). With project VERTIFIED, DLR aims to expand the research infrastructure at the National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt for transport of cargo and passengers by 2028.
The forum served as a platform to present, discuss, and gather expert feedback on the vertiport concepts. The requirements collected during the 2024 Stakeholder Forum formed the basis for the current requirements catalogue. The feedback from this year’s participants will be used to further develop and refine the vertiport concepts in preparation for the construction phase starting next year.
