In this episode of our 'Sustainability in the Air' podcast, Ricky Sandhu, Founder and Executive Chairman of Urban-Air Port, speaks with SimpliFlying's CEO Shashank Nigam and shares insights into the company's innovative approach to developing infrastructure for urban air mobility (UAM).
Urban-Air Port is pioneering vertiport technology, aiming to revolutionise urban transportation with their proprietary Air One system, the world's first fully-operational and off-grid hub for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Here are the key highlights of the conversation:
Introduction to Urban-Air Port's vertiport technology (4:18)
Innovative design and patented solutions (15:56)
Ecosystem development (23:03)
Challenges and opportunities in the industry (34:03)
Urban-Air Port's global potential (42:59)
Sustainability and environmental benefits (39:27)
Rapid Fire! (48:25)
Keep reading for a quick overview of the episode.
Why vertiport technology matters for urban mobility
As cities around the world grapple with increasing congestion and the need for sustainable transportation solutions, vertiport technology is emerging as a crucial component of UAM. For example, the Paris Olympics in 2024 are expected to showcase this technology in action, with German startup Volocopter set to operate air taxis from a floating vertiport on the River Seine.
This real-world application highlights the potential of vertiports to revolutionise urban transportation, offering a glimpse into a future where air taxis could become a common sight in our cities. Urban-Air Port seeks to leverage its innovative vertiport design to enable a new era of UAM. This allows the company to integrate aviation into urban environments efficiently and sustainably, addressing the growing need for alternative transportation solutions in congested cities.
The need for specialised infrastructure stems from the unique requirements of eVTOL aircraft, as Sandhu explains:
"The space requirements are different for an eVTOL than for a helicopter. The performance requirements of the aircraft demand a different sized solution."
Traditional heliports or airports are not optimised for these new aircraft, which require specific charging infrastructure, passenger processing facilities, and safety considerations. The good news is that the company's success in demonstrating their concept in Coventry, UK, has already generated significant interest from both the public and potential partners.
5 ways Urban-Air Port is shaping the future of AAM
1. Innovative vertiport design
Urban-Air Port has pioneered a patented vertiport design that tackles key UAM challenges with several innovations:
Air One is an ultra-compact micro-airport for urban and sea/coastal locations. It integrates maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) capabilities, making it ideal for densely populated areas where efficient land use is essential.
Vertical Airfield is a proprietary system that mitigates downwash and upwash effects (the powerful air currents created by eVTOL rotors during takeoff and landing), ensuring safe operations in confined urban areas.
The company's design also incorporates modular elements, allowing for scalability and adaptability to different urban contexts. This flexibility is key to the rapid deployment and expansion of UAM infrastructure.
2. Sustainability and environmental benefits
Urban-Air Port's vertiports are built with sustainability in mind:
Off-grid operation: The vertiports can operate using renewable energy sources, reducing their carbon footprint. This is achieved through the integration of solar panels, fuel cells, and advanced energy storage systems.
Reduced ground traffic: By promoting UAM, these vertiports could help alleviate urban congestion and lower emissions from ground transportation. Shifting certain journeys from road to air has the potential to improve urban air quality and traffic patterns.
Efficient use of space: The compact design of Urban-Air Port's vertiports requires less land compared to traditional transportation infrastructure, helping to preserve green spaces in urban areas.
This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of the vertiports themselves but also supports the broader goal of sustainable urban development. Moreover, the environmental benefits of UAM could also translate into economic advantages, potentially through reduced healthcare costs and improved quality of life in cities.
3. Partnerships and ecosystem development
By collaborating with multiple partners, Urban-Air Port ensures a focus on their core competency of vertiport design while experienced partners handle the operational aspects.
eVTOL manufacturers: Partnerships with companies like Supernal (Hyundai's AAM division) ensure compatibility with various aircraft designs. These collaborations are crucial for developing standardised interfaces between vertiports and eVTOL aircraft.
Technology providers: Collaboration with LG Electronics for digital innovation and infrastructure solutions. This partnership focuses on developing advanced passenger processing systems, battery charging technology, and smart city integration.
Airport operators: Urban-Air Port works with established airport operators to leverage their expertise in managing complex transportation hubs.
"We've got a fleet of partners because we think people who are best at operating airports are going to be the best at operating vertiports."
4. Scaling up and future vision
Sandhu envisions vertiports becoming ubiquitous in urban environments:
200 vertiports in 5 years: The company aims to establish a global network of vertiports that can create the necessary infrastructure to support the growth of the UAM market.
Gas station model: Sandhu sees vertiports becoming as common as gas stations, integrated into the urban fabric. He says that a multi-use approach could maximise the utility and economic viability of the vertiport network.
Integration with existing transportation: Urban-Air Port plans to connect their vertiports with other modes of transport, creating seamless multimodal journeys for passengers.
"In 10 years, I would hope and expect to see hundreds of vertiports, in a way, being used like gas stations, you know, like petrol stations, where they're doubling up, as drone ports as well for cargo."
5. Economic impact and job creation
Sandhu argues that their technology has the potential to create significant economic benefits:
Increased productivity: By enabling faster travel times, UAM could boost economic productivity in cities. "If you can get from Coventry to London in 25 minutes, you know, even a regular person can see the benefit of that," says Sandhu.
Job creation: The development and operation of vertiports will create new employment opportunities across various sectors, including construction, operations, maintenance, and supporting services.
Stimulating innovation: The growth of UAM infrastructure could drive innovation in related fields such as battery technology, autonomous systems, and urban planning.
However, Sandhu notes that challenges remain, including public acceptance of UAM, integration with existing air traffic control systems, and ensuring the affordability of eVTOL services. He believes that Urban-Air Port's focus on efficient, sustainable design could help address some of these concerns, potentially accelerating the adoption of this new form of urban transportation.
As regulatory frameworks for urban air mobility continue to develop, Urban-Air Port is well-positioned to play a leading role in defining the standards for vertiport infrastructure.
Whether or not air taxis fly over the Seine during the ongoing Olympic Games, the coming years will be crucial in determining whether this vision can become a daily reality.
‘Sustainability in the Air’ is the world’s leading podcast dedicated to sustainable aviation. Through in-depth conversations with top aviation leaders, we break through the clutter and provide a clear roadmap for a net-zero future.
