New-Tech Europe Magazine | May 2019

Skyports and Volocopter announced a cooperation to build the first mobile Volo-Port for air taxis. UK-based global vertiport owner and operator Skyports and air taxi pioneer Volocopter unveiled plans for the Volo- Port – the physical landing pads for so-called eVTOL (electric take-off and landing) – through stunning designs produced by internationally renowned agency Brandlab. Ground-based vertiport infrastructure is critical to the success of future urban air mobility (UAM), including air taxi operations in congested cities. Construction of the first Volo-Port will be completed later this year. The partners plan to build it in Singapore for the scheduled public flight trials in the second half of 2019. A full-scale Volocopter vehicle is on display at the GreenTech Festival. The Volo-Port prototype will: ■ Enable real-life testing of the full customer journey to perfect the passenger experience; ■ Showcase planned customer services, including pre-flight checks, passenger lounges and boarding procedures; ■ Allow practical testing of ground operations and services, including battery swaps and charging, maintenance, safety and security; ■ Provide the opportunity for authorities and industry First Air Taxi Volo- Port to be Built by End of 2019

regulators to interact with the infrastructure and provide feedback before they are asked to approve the final design. Vertiports are the only physical infrastructure required for air taxis to commence operations in cities in the near future. Volo-Ports are designed to provide passengers with a seamless air taxi experience that is safe, secure, and relaxing. They will merge with their surroundings, allowing passengers and passers-by to

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