Societal acceptance of urban air mobility based on the technology adoption framework

Abstract

Urban air mobility (UAM) is regarded as a sustainable alternative for intercity and intracity passenger transportation. The objective of this study is to identify the psychological and attitudinal factors that predict behavioral intentions to adopt UAM. This study integrates the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology with the initial trust model to explain the adoption intention among potential users of UAM. Results show that social influence and initial trust are the most significant predictor of the usage intention, which, together with performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and structural assurance, lead to positive attitudes toward UAM. Initial trust was dependent on all six antecedents considered, but most largely on structural assurance. These findings emphasize the role of institutional safety nets, including regulations and legal resources, in increasing initial trust and promoting initial diffusion of UAM. They also offer guidance for designing interventions to improve the societal acceptance of UAM.