Public acceptance of electric air taxis for airport travel: An extended technology acceptance model with theory of planned behavior and diffusion of innovation constructs

• Developed a comprehensive Electric Air Taxi (EAT) acceptance model by extending Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and characteristics of innovation from Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory. • Provides empirical evidence for a nomological network where EAT attributes shape acceptance intention through psychological constructs. • Compatibility and observability of EAT were strong predictors of usage intention. • Findings provide a strong rationale for policy interventions that support the feasibility and integration of EAT services for airport access. Electric Air Taxis (EATs) represent a transformative innovation capable of redefining urban and regional mobility. Yet, technological advancement alone cannot guarantee feasibility; public perception and acceptance are equally critical. To understand these factors, this study extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and characteristics of innovation from Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory. Based on the response from 910 long-distance airport travelers in United States, we tested and refined a hypothesized structural model. Findings reveal that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness significantly influenced attitudes toward EAT, which (along with social influence) shaped the intention to adopt. Compatibility and observability emerged as significant predictors of usage intention and influenced perceptions of social influence, behavioral control, usefulness, ease of use, and attitude. Trialability before adoption was found to increase social influence, perceived usefulness, and behavioral control, while perceived complexity negatively impacted ease of use. Furthermore, younger individuals, frequent air travelers, and those who typically use TNCs for airport trips exhibited higher adoption intentions. In contrast, older adults, women, low-income individuals, graduate degree holders, households with more private vehicles, and public transit users demonstrated lower intentions to adopt EATs. Business travelers, on the other hand, reported higher perceived ease of use for airport travel. The study concludes with implications for airlines, airport operators, EAT providers, and policymakers to design interventions that could enhance the public acceptance of EATs for airport travel.