It’s a slow process, but authorities are starting to send positive signals to the AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) industry. The latest achievement is the Advanced Air Mobility Action Plan that was recently released for the state of Victoria. This is the final version, confirming that officials are ready to set things into motion.
This recent document indicates a positive shift that could finally get the ball rolling for AAM infrastructure in Victoria. However, there are still many steps required, and it won’t be easy. The initial guidance material for assessing future vertiport locations is due to be released next year, and at the same time, the authorities are looking into ways of integrating eVTOL operations within Victorian transport.
A clear legal framework is what people are waiting for. According to Skyportz, the Australian vertiport pioneer, more than 400 property sites have already indicated their interest in hosting vertiports. If eVTOLs generally aim to make green air travel available to anyone, Skyportz wants to democratize AAM infrastructure.
The Australian company has introduced several innovative vertiport concepts until now, including the first modular version for private property. The ingenious vertiport-in-a-box, presented at the Paris Air Show, looks like a simple monocoque aluminum shell available in three sizes, but it’s highly flexible.
It was specifically designed to incorporate multiple functions. Ideally, a private property owner could start operating this vertiport-in-a-box even before air taxis are officially certified to enter commercial service by using it as a leisure location, a bar, or even a fancy meeting room. Plus, each modular vertiport will be fitted with high-power chargers and battery systems specifically developed for eVTOL operations by Electro.aero, another Aussie company.
The interest expressed by property owners is also directly linked to the increased interest in drone delivery and air taxi services across multiple sectors. In the future, more and more businesses will want to include such services in their portfolios as long as adequate infrastructure is also in place.
Earlier this year, Skyportz welcomed a collaboration with Dr. Abdulghani Mohamed. Head of the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) research group at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Australia, who was also named Australian Scientist of the Year in 2021 and Engineering Professional of the Year in 2022. Dr. Mohamed’s expertise will help Skyportz select the best locations for eVTOL landing pads based on modern anti-turbulence technology.
Electric air taxis and vertiports alike need to face the hurdles of regulatory frameworks that translate to lengthy, complex processes – this is essential for safe and smooth operations. In just a few years, Uber Elevate air taxis could provide green rides in Melbourne (one of the selected launch cities), and this new action plan is speeding things up.