  For the successful development and implementation of novel concepts and
technology, the acceptance of potential users is crucial. Therefore, within the
project HorizonUAM, we investigated passengers' acceptance of air taxis. One
challenge is that not many people have real experiences with urban air mobility
(UAM) at the moment and thus requirements formulated by potential users refer
to rather abstract concepts. To allow participants to gain realistic
impressions of UAM concepts, a Mixed Reality Air Taxi Simulator was set up. It
allows participants to experience an inner-city business shuttle flight. A
study with 30 participants assessed the information needs and the influence of
another person on board on wellbeing in nominal situations (experiment 1) as
well as one non-nominal situation (experiment 2). For the latter, participants
experienced a re-routing of the flight due to an unavailability of landing
sites at the vertidrome. During and after the flights, participants answered
questionnaires and extensive interviews were conducted. The study produced
first empirical data on relevant factors regarding interaction, information
needs and comfort within an air taxi. The findings show that passengers want to
be informed about intentions of the vehicle. The presence of a steward on board
is not necessary but can increase wellbeing especially during non-nominal
situations.
