The Safeguard Vertiports team have had a busy few months as they finalise preparations for their part in a world first event – the Urban-Air Port “Air One” Display which takes place in Coventry next month. Operations Manager, Chris Wood and Senior Certification Officer, Lee Hooper have been working as part of Urban-Air Port’s consortium for the past two years and have also been working alongside the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to help develop the new Certification Standards that will be required for the finished Vertiport. The Safeguard Vertiports team and other senior members of Safeguard Engineering Ltd will be on site during the week of the display.
At the end of March the Vertiports team will be conducting their final round of in-house training and quality checking prior to the launch in April. As this exciting project nears completion they are looking forward to a successful week of demonstrations to the world’s media and followers of Urban Air Mobility (UAM). Vertiports will be the future of UAM, providing a safe and secure area for air taxi operators, cargo operators and the people using them. This ground infrastructure and the accompanying support services are crucial to the successful development of UAM.
The UK government is championing the development of air corridors for future electric air taxis and autonomous logistics drones. These ‘air roads’ will enable people and cargo to travel by manned and unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles and drones. This world-first infrastructure programme is a significant step towards unlocking a future of clean urban air mobility for the UK and will provide a model for other countries to follow.
eVTOL air taxis and logistics drones have highly accurate vertical take-off and landing capabilities so do not need a long runway or large landing areas, allowing Urban-Air Ports to be positioned in the areas of greatest demand and closest proximity to connecting infrastructure such as rail hubs.
Commenting on the Air One Display in April Chris Wood said:
“We have relished this opportunity to work alongside the team at Urban-Air Port bringing our experience and expertise to help with the Vertiport Certification for the Air One Display. The launch in Coventry will be an exciting day for all involved as this new technology moves from the stuff of dreams to a reality.”
If you need expert advice and support on the design, development and use of Vertiport platform areas then please visit our website: www.safeguardvertiports.co.uk or contact a member of our team on: +44 (0) 1326 317323.
