UK/INTERNATIONAL. Urban-Air Port (UAP) today announced details of a deal to deploy 65 electric Urban-Air Ports worldwide in partnership with South Korean vehicle manufacturing giant Hyundai Motor Group. They will appear in locations across the US, the UK, the EU and Asia Pacific.
The development of these Urban Air-Ports will add significant impetus to a global transport infrastructure revolution designed to unlock the potential of sustainable urban air mobility.
This will facilitate seamless passenger journeys and deliveries, while improving connectivity in congested cities, cutting air pollution and decarbonising transport.
The new deal is a major step towards UAP meeting its stated aim of developing a global network of 200 Urban-Air Ports within the next five years.
“Urban-Air Port is key to opening up safe, affordable, zero emission mobility that isn’t just a flight of fantasy but a tangible reality” – Hyundai Motor Group Urban Air Mobility Division Chief Operating Officer Pamela Cohn
The infrastructure developed by UAP for the world’s first fully-operational hub for future electric vertical take-off and landing (eVOTL) aircraft – known as Urban-Air Port Air One – will be seen for the first time in Coventry, UK in Spring 2022. Its design will form a blueprint for the 65 new Urban-Air Ports, London-based UAP said.
UAP is also partnering on the Coventry project with Hyundai, which is at the forefront of eVOTL aircraft development.
Investment in the urban air mobility industry has soared this year, with US$4.7 billion announced for the development of eVOTL vehicles so far in 2021.
Also announced by UAP today is a new deal with Munich Airport which will see it purchase at least one full scale, operational Urban-Air Port and collaborate on longer-term operational capabilities.
It is the first deal of its kind to integrate dedicated eVTOL ground infrastructure and operations into the traditional airport environment, creating a blueprint for future sustainable airport operations worldwide.
Urban-Air Port Founder and Executive Ricky Sandhu Chairman said: “The deal [with Hyundai] is a statement of intent from one of the biggest mobility leaders in the world and their support is invaluable as we advance our discussions with airports, transport infrastructure hubs and cities worldwide to support the rapid expansion of urban air mobility right across the world.”
He added: “There is no question that urban air mobility is going to be a reality in towns and cities across the world in the very near future.”
Hyundai Motor Group Urban Air Mobility Division Chief Operating Officer Pamela Cohn said: “Urban Air Mobility is going to be integral to how we get from A to B this century. Hyundai has always been a leader in innovation and we are investing in the technologies, companies and innovators to unlock this new era of transport this decade.
“Urban-Air Port is key to opening up safe, affordable, zero emission mobility that isn’t just a flight of fantasy but a tangible reality.”
Read our recent in-depth interview with Ricky Sandhu on the potential for Urban-Air Ports and the commercial opportunities that will arise from them here.
