Plans to develop a “vertiport in a box”—an affordable, turn-key solution for smaller properties to join the air taxi space—have been revealed.
The project is be the aim of a partnership between Australia companies Skyportz and Electro Aero which was announced at the Revolution Aero Conference in Dublin, Ireland.
The concept is to create “tiny” modular vertiport buildings that are delivered in a shipping container, complete with a high-powered battery bank and charger with solar panels.
Skyportz chief executive Clem Newton-Brown said the partners were focusing on affordable options for property developers to incoporate into new builds or retrofit into existing buildings.
“Skyportz will be getting our network of vertiports and battery packs established now with enthusiastic property owners who will come back later for an aviation--use permit,” Newton-Brown said.
“In the meantime, they will have developed sustainable power storage and a vertiport building that could be used as a cafe or meeting room.
“We need to develop a network of new vertiport sites if the industry is to reach its potential and Skyportz is readying the landscape to partner with infrastructure investors.”
Electro Aero specialises in battery charging and power storage to support electric aviation, including air taxis.
Skyportz has indicated it will announce further partners once the modular design is released later this year.
In March, it was revealed property developer Ross Pelligra would team with Skyportz to develop vertiport networks in Australia.
The partnership will focus on finding a region or city to set up what will be the world’s first vertiport network.
