Strategic Assessment of eVTOLs for Sustainable Urban Air Mobility Using the CRITIC-Based EDAS Method

Year 2025, , 193 - 210, 06.05.2025

Mehmet Şahin Durak

https://doi.org/10.26650/JTL.2025.1622742

Abstract

The selection of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is a strategic decision that directly shape the economic sustainability of urban air mobility (UAM) systems due to high investment costs and its impact on opera/ tional efficiency. In, this study aims to provide an objective framework for evaluating and selecting suitable eVTOL aircraft, which is an important step in establishing sustainable urban air mobility. In the study, the CRITIC/based EDAS method was used in an integrated manner to determine the importance of the evaluation criteria of eVTOL aircraft and to rank the models. The criteria of pax number, range, speed, alt meter, empty weight, payload, and maximum take/off weight identified from the literature have provided a unique perspective for evaluating eVTOLs regarding sustainability and efficiency. The results revealed that there were significant differences in the performances of the eVTOL aircraft in the context of the determined criteria. This demonstrates the critical importance of strategic decision/making frameworks in sustainable urban air mobility planning. It is expected that this research will provide strategic guidance for manufacturers and urban planners by developing a systematic approach to eVTOL evaluation.

Keywords

Urban Air Mobility, Strategic Decisions, eVTOL, CRITIC, EDAS

References

• Ackerman, E., Zorpette, G., Pepitone, J., Choi, C. Q., & Gent, E. (2022, March). Transportation: What’s behind the air-taxi craze: A wave of eVTOL startups aim to revolutionize transportation. IEEE Spectrum, 6-13. https://doi.org/l0.1109/MSPEC.2022.9729952 google scholar
• Akyurt, İ. Z., & Kabadayı, N. (2020). Bulanık AHP ve bulanık gri ilişkiler analizi yöntemleri ile kargo uçak tipi seçimi: Bir Türk Havayolu firmasında uygulama. Journal of Yaşar University, 15(57), 38-55. https://doi.org/10.19168/jyasar.609416 google scholar
• Alkan, N. (2024). Evaluation of sustainable development and utilization-oriented renewable energy systems based on CRITIC-SWARA-CODAS method using interval valued picture fuzzy sets. Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks, 38, 101263. https://doi.org/10. 1016/j.segan.2023.101263 google scholar
• Al-Rubaye, S., Tsourdos, A., & Namuduri, K. (2023). Advanced air mobility operation and infrastructure for sustainable connected eVTOL vehicle. Drones, 7(5), 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones7050319 google scholar
• Alves, B., Marta, A., & Felix, L. (2022). Multidisciplinary optimisation of an eVTOL UAV with a hydrogen fuel cell. 2022 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS), 134-143. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICUAS54217.2022.9836228 google scholar
• Anderson, R., Roiati, R., Rice, T., & Steinfeldt, B. (2024). Performance study of an eVTOL aircraft with fully electric, hybrid, and conventional propulsion. 2024 IEEE Aerospace Conference, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1109/AERO58975.2024.10521178 google scholar
• Ardil, C. (2020). Aircraft selection process using preference analysis for reference ideal solution (PARIS). International Journal of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, 14(3), 80-91. google scholar
• Ardil, C. (2023). Aircraft selection process using reference linear combination in multiple criteria decision making analysis. Journal of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, 17(4), 146-155. google scholar
• Audenhove, V., Korniichuk, O., Dauby, L., & Pourbaix, J. (2024). The Future of Urban Mobility 2.0. Retrieved December 10, 2024, from https://www.adlittle.com/sites/default/files/viewpoints/2014_ADL_UITP_Future_of_Urban_Mobility_2_0_Full_study.pdf google scholar
• Bağcı, B., & Kartal, M. (2024). A combined multi criteria model for aircraft selection problem in airlines. Journal of Air Transport Management, 116, 102566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2024.102566 google scholar
• Bhalla, S., Kim, D., & Choi, D. (2025). Enhancing human comfort in eVTOL aircraft assisted by control moment gyroscopes. International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences, 26(2), 698-718. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42405-024-00773-x google scholar
• Boddupalli, S.-S., Garrow, L. A., German, B. J., & Newman, J. P. (2024). Mode choice modeling for an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi commuting service. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 181, 104000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra. 2024.104000 google scholar
• Bridgelall, R. (2023). Forecasting market opportunities for urban and regional air mobility. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 196, 122835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122835 google scholar
• Brown, A., & Harris, W. L. (2020). Vehicle design and optimization model for urban air mobility. Journal of Aircraft, 57(6), 1003-1013. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C035756 google scholar
• Bruno, G., Esposito, E., & Genovese, A. (2015). A model for aircraft evaluation to support strategic decisions. Expert Systems with Applications, 42(13), 5580-5590. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2015.02.054 google scholar
• Çaloğlu Büyükselçuk, E., & Tozan, H. (2022). Elektrikli araçların performanslarının CRITIC-EATWIOS ile değerlendirilmesi. Düzce University Journal of Science and Technology, 10(4), 1670-1688. https://doi.org/10.29130/dubited.1002851 google scholar
• Cardoso, S. H. S. B., Oliveira, M. V. R. de, & Godoy, J. R. S. (2022). eVTOL certification in FAA and EASA performance-based regulation environments: A bird strike study-case. Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management, 14. https://doi.org/10.1590/jatm.v 14.1271 google scholar
• Chen, I.-S. (2016a). A combined MCDM model based on DEMATEL and ANP for the selection of airline service quality improvement criteria: A study based on the Taiwanese airline industry. Journal of Air Transport Management, 57, 7-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.jairtraman.2016.07.004 google scholar
• Chen, I.-S. (2016b). A combined MCDM model based on DEMATEL and ANP for the selection of airline service quality improvement criteria: A study based on the Taiwanese airline industry. Journal of Air Transport Management, 57, 7-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.jairtraman.2016.07.004 google scholar
• Dozic, S., & Kalic, M. (2014). An AHP approach to aircraft selection process. Transportation Research ProceDia, 3, 165-174. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.trpro.2014.10.102 google scholar
• Dozic, S., & Kalic, M. (2015a). Comparison of two MCDM methodologies in aircraft type selection problem. Transportation Research Procedia, 10, 910-919. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2015.09.044 google scholar
• Dozic, S., & Kalic, M. (2015b). Three-stage airline fleet planning model. Journal of Air Transport Management, 46, 30-39. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.jairtraman.2015.03.011 google scholar
• Dozic, S., Lutovac, T., & Kalic, M. (2018). Fuzzy AHP approach to passenger aircraft type selection. Journal of Air Transport Management, 68, 165-175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2017.08.003 google scholar
• Exactitude Consultancy. (2024). eVTOL Aircraft Market Analysis: Key Drivers, Market Players, and Future Prospects. Retrieved December 15, 2024, from https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/37162/evtol-aircraft-market google scholar
• Fan, J.-P., Li, Y.-J., & Wu, M.-Q. (2019). Technology selection based on EDAS cross-efficiency evaluation method. IEEE Access, 7, 5897458980. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2915345 google scholar
• Farazi, N. P., & Zou, B. (2024). Planning electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL)-based package delivery with community noise impact considerations. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 189, 103661. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.tre.2024.103661 google scholar
• Garrow, L. A., Mokhtarian, P. L., German, B. J., “Jack” S. Glodek, J., & Leonard, C. E. (2025). Market segmentation of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi commuting service in five large U.S. cities. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 191, 104267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2024.104267 google scholar
• Grand View Research. (2024). eVTOL Aircraft Market Size & Trends. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://www.grandviewresearch. com/industry-analysis/evtol-aircraft-market-report google scholar
• Güntut, C., & Gökdalay, M. (2023). Aircraft selection decision support model for fleet planning of the low-cost airlines. Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Dergisi, 18(2), 460-478. https://doi.org/10.17153/oguiibf.1253980 google scholar
• Hader, M., Baur, S., Kopera, S., Schönberg, T., & Hasenberg, J.-P. (2020). Urban air mobility, USD 90 billion of potential: How to capture a share of the passenger drone market. Roland Berger. google scholar
• Hascaryo, R. W., & Merret, J. M. (2020, June 15). Configuration-independent initial sizing method for UAM/eVTOL vehicles. AIAA AVIATION 2020 FORUM. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-2630 google scholar
• Imanov, T. (2024). Urban air mobility (UAM) network: Case study: Baku metropolitan area. International Journal of Aviation Science and Technology, vm05(is01), 53-74. https://doi.org/10.23890/IJAST.vm05is01.0105 google scholar
• Ilgın, A. (2019). Aircraft selection using linear physical programming. Journal of Aeronautics and Space Technologies, 121(129), 1-11. google scholar
• Jiang, Y., Li, Z., Wang, Y., & Xue, Q. (2025). Vertiport location for eVTOL considering multidimensional demand of urban air mobility: An application in Beijing. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 192, 104353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2024.104353 google scholar
• Kaur, G., Dhara, A., Majumder, A., Sandhu, B. S., Puhan, A., & Adhikari, M. S. (2023). A CRITIC-TOPSIS MCDM technique under the neutro-sophic environment with application on aircraft selection. Contemporary Mathematics, 1180-1203. https://doi.org/10.37256/cm. 4420232963 google scholar
• Keshavarz Ghorabaee, M., Amiri, M., Zavadskas, E. K., Turskis, Z., & Antucheviciene, J. (2017). Stochastic EDAS method for multi-criteria decision-making with normally distributed data. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 33(3), 1627-1638. https://doi.org/10.3233/ JIFS-17184 google scholar
• Keshavarz Ghorabaee, M., Zavadskas, E. K., Olfat, L., & Turskis, Z. (2015). Multi-criteria inventory classification using a new method of evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS). Informatica, 26(3), 435-451. https://doi.org/10.15388/Informatica. 2015.57 google scholar
• Keshavarz-Ghorabaee, M., Amiri, M., Zavadskas, E., Turskis, Z., & Antucheviciene, J. (2018). A dynamic fuzzy approach based on the EDAS method for multi-criteria subcontractor evaluation. Information, 9(3), 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/info9030068 google scholar
• Kiesewetter, L., Shakib, K. H., Singh, P., Rahman, M., Khandelwal, B., Kumar, S., & Shah, K. (2023). A holistic review of the current state of research on aircraft design concepts and consideration for advanced air mobility applications. Progress in Aerospace Sciences, 142, 100949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paerosci.2023.100949 google scholar
• Kim, H., Lee, J., Lee, D., & Yee, K. (2025). Improved conceptual design of eVTOL aircraft: Considering rotor-rotor interactional effects. International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42405-025-00888-9 google scholar
• Kiracı, K., & Akan, E. (2020). Aircraft selection by applying AHP and TOPSIS in interval type-2 fuzzy sets. Journal of Air Transport Management, 89, 101924. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2020.101924 google scholar
• Kiracı, K., & Bakır, M. (2019). CRITIC temelli EDAS yöntemi ile havayolu işletmelerinde performans ölçümü uygulaması. Pamukkale University Journal of Social Sciences Institute. https://doi.org/10.30794/pausbed.421992 google scholar
• Kocakaya, K., Engin, T., Tektaş, M., & Aydın, U. (2021). Türkiye’de bölgesel havayolları için uçak tipi seçimi: Küresel bulanık AHP-TOPSIS yöntemlerinin entegrasyonu. Akıllı Ulaşım Sistemleri ve Uygulamaları Dergisi, 4(1), 27-58. https://doi.org/10.51513/jitsa.903996 google scholar
• Liu, M., Su, Z., Zhu, J., Guo, F., & You, Y. (2024). Flight analysis and optimization design of vectored thrust eVTOL based on cooperative flight/propulsion control. Aerospace Science and Technology, 149, 109143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2024.109143 google scholar
• Liu, Y., Lyu, C., Bai, F., Parishwad, O., & Li, Y. (2024). The role of intelligent technology in the development of urban air mobility systems: A technical perspective. Fundamental Research, 4(5), 1017-1024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fmre.2023.08.006 google scholar
• Mageto, J., Twinomurinzi, H., Luke, R., Mhlongo, S., Bwalya, K., & Bvuma, S. (2024). Building resilience into smart mobility for urban cities: an emerging economy perspective. International Journal of Production Research, 62(15), 5556-5573. https://doi.org/10.1080/ 00207543.2022.2139866 google scholar
• MOU, Y., JIANG, M., & ZHU, G. (2021). Certification considerations of eVTOL aircraft. 32nd Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences. google scholar
• Phung, M. T., Nguyen, T.-C.-H., Akhtar, M. S., & Yang, O.-B. (2024). Machine learning approaches for assessing rechargeable battery state-of-charge in unmanned aircraft vehicle-eVTOL. Journal of Computational Science, 81, 102380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocs.2024. 102380 google scholar
• Qasem, M., Stoyanov, S., Ratrout, S., Haddadin, M., Yassin, Y., Chen, C., Al-Hallaj, S., & Krishnamurthy, M. (2024). Synthetic data-integrated Li-Ion battery modeling for eVTOL energy systems. IEEE Access, 12, 76329-76343. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3407016 google scholar
• Rakas, J., Jeung, J., So, D., Ambrose, P., & Chupina, V. (2021). eVTOL fleet selection method for vertiport networks. 2021 IEEE/AIAA 40th Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1109/DASC52595.2021.9594309 google scholar
• Sahoo, S. K., & Goswami, S. S. (2023). A comprehensive review of multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods: Advancements, applications, and future directions. Decision Making Advances, 1(1), 25-48. https://doi.org/10.31181/dma1120237 google scholar
• Sânchez, C. N., Sânchez, J. C., Ruiz, M. Â. V., Mouillet, V., Nuic, A., & Hub, E. I. (2021). BADA eVTOL performance model for UTM traffıc simulation and analysis. 11th SESAR Innovation Days. google scholar
• See, T.-K., Gurnani, A., & Lewis, K. (2004). Multi-attribute decision making using hypothetical equivalents and inequivalents. Journal of Mechanical Design, 126(6), 950-958. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1814389 google scholar
• Spühler, F., Siebenrock, K., Terekhov, I., & Mattfeld, D. C. (2025). A framework for ranking potential cities for implementing emerging urban mobility technologies: A case study for eVTOL aircraft. Journal of Urban Mobility, 7, 100102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urbmob. 2025.100102 google scholar
• Sun, X., Gollnick, V., & Stumpf, E. (2011). Robustness consideration in multi-criteria decision making to an aircraft selection problem. Journal of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, 18(1-2), 55-64. https://doi.org/10.1002/mcda.471 google scholar
• Swadesir, L., & Bil, C. (2019, June 17). Urban air transportation for Melbourne metropolitan area. AIAA Aviation 2019 Forum. https://doi. org/10.2514/6.2019-3572 google scholar
• Tanrıverdi, G., Ecer, F., & Durak, M. Ş. (2022). Exploring factors affecting airport selection during the COVID-19 pandemic from air cargo carriers’ perspective through the triangular fuzzy Dombi-Bonferroni BWM methodology. Journal of Air Transport Management, 105, 102302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2022.102302 google scholar
• Tanrıverdi, G., Lezki, Ş., & Doğan, Ü. (2022). Strategic decision making for air cargo carriers on freighter type selection. International Journal of Management Economics and Business. https://doi.org/10.17130/ijmeb.1122066 google scholar
• Trinküniene, E., Podvezko, V., Zavadskas, E. K., Joksiene, I., Vinogradova, I., & Trinkünas, V. (2017). Evaluation of quality assurance in contractor contracts by multi-attribute decision-making methods. Economlc Research-EKonomsKa Istrazlvanja, 30(i), 1152-1180. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2017.1325616 google scholar
• Tsaur, S.-H., Chang, T.-Y., & Yen, C.-H. (2002). The evaluation of airline service quality by fuzzy MCDM. Tourlsm Management, 23(2), 107115. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(01)00050-4 google scholar
• Ugwueze, O., Statheros, T., Bromfield, M. A., & Horri, N. (2023). Trends in eVTOL aircraft development: the concepts, enablers and challenges. AIAA Scltech 2023 Forum, 2096. google scholar
• United Nations. (2014). 2014 revlslon of the World Urbanlzatlon Prospects. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. google scholar
• Vascik, P. D., Hansman, R. J., & Dunn, N. S. (2018). Analysis of urban air mobility operational constraints. Journal of Alr Transportatlon, 26(4), 133-146. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.D0120 google scholar
• Velaz-Acera, N., Ruiz-Marîn, R., & Borge-Diez, D. (2025). Comparative economic, energy, and environmental analysis of fuel celi and electric eVTOL systems: Case study of Iberian Peninsula. Journal of Cleaner Production, 495, 145027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. jclepro.2025.145027 google scholar
• Vertical Flight Society. (2024). eVTOL Aircraft Directory. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from Https://Evtol.News/Aircraft. google scholar
• Wang, Y. (2024). Navigating risks: A comprehensive functional hazard assessment of eVTOL power battery systems. London Journal of Engineering Research, 24(1), 1-22. google scholar
• Wei, H., Lou, B., Zhang, Z., Liang, B., Wang, F.-Y., & Lv, C. (2024). Autonomous navigation for eVTOL: Review and future perspectives. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Vehicles, 9(2), 4145-4171. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIV.2024.3352613 google scholar
• World Bank. (2025). Urban population (% of total population). World Bank Group. Retrieved November 16, 2024 from https://data. worldbank.org/indicator/SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS google scholar
• Xiang, S., Xie, A., Ye, M., Yan, X., Han, X., Niu, H., Li, Q., & Huang, H. (2024). Autonomous eVTOL: A summary of researches and challenges. Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation, 3(1), 100140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geits.2023.100140 google scholar
• Xu, J., Yu, J., Lu, X., Long, Z., Xu, Y., & Sun, H. (2024). Aerodynamic performance and numerical analysis of the coaxial contra-rotating propeller lift system in eVTOL vehicles. Mathematics, 12(7), 1056. https://doi.org/10.3390/math12071056 google scholar
• Yalçın, N., & Karakaş, E. (2019). Kurumsal sürdürülebilirlik performans analizinde CRITIC-EDAS yaklaşımı. Çukurova Üniversitesi Mühendislik-Mimarlık Fakültesi Dergisi, 34(4), 147-162. https://doi.org/10.21605/cukurovaummfd.704167 google scholar
• Yeh, C.-H., & Chang, Y.-H. (2009). Modeling subjective evaluation for fuzzy group multicriteria decision making. European Journal of Operational Research, 194(2), 464-473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2007.12.029 google scholar
• Zhang, J., Liu, Y., & Zheng, Y. (2024). Overall eVTOL aircraft design for urban air mobility. Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation, 3(2), 100150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geits.2024.100150 google scholar
• Zhou, H., Wei, Z., & Hu, W. (2025). Hydrodynamic performance and maneuverability design for a compound eVTOL configuration based unmanned aerial underwater vehicle. Ocean Engineering, 319, 120210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2024.120210 google scholar
• Zion Market Research. (2024). eVTOL Aircraft Market Size, Share, Industry Analysis, Trends, Growth, Forecasts, 2032. Zion Market Research. google scholar