Spanish infrastructure operator Ferrovail has announced a new partnership with real estate developer Milligan to develop vertiport locations in the UK.
The group will collaborate with Milligan to identify potential sites for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) operations.
Working alongside planning advisors AECOM and Lichfields, the companies will identify demand-rich locations, select potential sites, and carry out assessment criteria to determine the viability of each site.
Ferrovial said that requirements for potential vertiport sites included being at least 4,000 sqm in size, with connectivity to utilities, being compatible with airspace requirements, and avoiding residential or noise-sensitive areas.
The group added that sites could be located on the ground or on top of existing buildings such as rooftops or carparks, and said it was in active discussions with local authorities, landowners and asset owners in strategic UK locations.
Last year UK-based Urban-Air Port opened a demonstrator hub for eVTOL vehicles and autonomous cargo drones in a car park in the centre of Coventry.
World’s first “fully functioning hub” for eVTOLs and drones unveiled in Coventry
Commenting on the news Brad Miller, Ferrovial Vertiports managing director for the UK and EMEA, said:
“Freedom of movement is critical to global economic and social advancement. With a 70-year history of developing transportation infrastructure that helps communities flourish and grow, Ferrovial is proud to play a leading role in transforming the future of urban air mobility.”
Earlier this month urban air mobility provider Volocopter confirmed that its eVTOL services are on track to launch in time for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The French capital is set to be the first European city to offer the company’s VoloCity air taxi, an eVTOL with two seats (a pilot and a passenger), a 35km range and speeds of up to 110km/h.
Volocopter to launch electric air taxis in time for Paris 2024 Olympics
