Successful Doctorate on the Market Analysis of Advanced Air Mobility
July 17, 2026
Successful Doctorate on the Market Analysis of Advanced Air Mobility
Dr. Jan Pertz awarded doctorate for analysing the market potential of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region
Dr. Jan Pertz from the DLR Institute of Air Transport successfully defended his doctoral thesis at the Hamburg University of Technology. In his dissertation, he examined the market potential of future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) systems in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. Using a four-stage transport model, he analysed the potential demand for air taxis as well as the impact of travel times, ticket prices and vertiport locations on the use of such a transport system. From left to right: Prof. Carsten Gertz (Hamburg University of Technology, Transport Planning and Logistics), Prof. Volker Gollnick (Hamburg University of Technology, Air Transportation Systems) and Dr. Jan Pertz (DLR Institute of Air Transport).
Successful doctorate on the market analysis of future Advanced Air Mobility systems
Investigation of demand for air taxis in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region
Insights into the market potential and operational challenges of AAM
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is regarded as a promising approach to future mobility services in urban and regional areas. Electrically powered aircraft could create new transport links and complement existing transport systems. However, the introduction of such concepts requires robust insights into potential markets and the behaviour of future passengers.
In his dissertation entitled “Analysis of Integrated Air Transport Systems in Urban and Regional Areas”, Dr. Jan Pertz analysed the market potential of an AAM system in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. To this end, he developed a four-stage transport model that incorporates commuter traffic, business travel and feeder services to Hamburg Airport. Using a gravity model and a discrete choice model, he examined both the potential demand and the mode choice behaviour of different user groups.
Demand Potential and Operational Challenges
The results indicate a potential daily demand of up to approximately 9,400 passengers under ideal conditions. Despite this market size, no significant shift of road traffic into the air is expected. Commuter travel accounts for the largest share of demand; however, this user group is particularly sensitive to changes in ticket prices.
Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of vertiport locations for the success of future AAM services. On certain routes, access and egress journeys can account for up to 50 per cent of the total travel time. In addition, vertiports are particularly promising in locations where they enable new connections that are currently poorly served by other forms of public transport.
We warmly congratulate Dr. Jan Pertz on the successful defence of his dissertation. His research provides valuable insights for the planning, design and economic evaluation of future air mobility concepts.
The Hamburg University of Technology provided the institutional framework for the doctoral research, and we would like to thank the university for its close scientific collaboration. The dissertation was also developed through close academic exchange with the principal supervisor, Prof. Volker Gollnick (Hamburg University of Technology), and within the context of his research on future air transport and mobility systems.
