Waterfront Vertiports: Unlocking the Potential of Advanced Air Mobility at AIRTAXI World Congress
Skyportz®, in collaboration with Contreras Earl Architecture and Pascall+Watson Architects, is set to unveil an innovative concept for an Australian waterfront e-mobility hub at the prestigious AIRTAXI World Congress in San Francisco. This groundbreaking proposal aims to transform an existing heliport situated on the picturesque Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia, into a state-of-the-art vertiport, ushering in a new era of clean, quiet, and electric air taxi travel.
Under this visionary plan, the site will serve as a multi-modal transportation hub, accommodating electric scooters, bicycles, ferries, and hire boats, offering a seamless and sustainable urban mobility experience. Additionally, a cafe within the hub will provide a scenic vantage point for spectators eager to witness the future of air travel in action.
Clem Newton-Brown, CEO of Skyportz, remarked, "We have been developing designs and concepts for vertiports for five years, and we keep coming back to waterfront sites being the most practical solution for retrofitting cities for Advanced Air Mobility. Waterfront sites provide the safest access for electric air taxis, meeting stringent aviation requirements for clear approach and departure paths."
He continued, "Waterfront locations are also likely to be one of the few places where available land can be found to accommodate terminals, with the added potential for floating landing pads. Paris, for instance, has chosen a riverside location for one of its five proposed vertiports for the upcoming Olympics, aligning with our belief that waterfront sites are the most viable option."
Excitement about this concept is palpable, with Newton-Brown exclaiming, "We are thrilled to have developed this concept in collaboration with Contreras Earl Architecture and Pascall+Watson Architects, and we see great potential for its implementation in waterfront cities worldwide."
Rafael Contreras, Director of Contreras Earl Architecture, highlighted the innovation behind the vertiport design, stating, "This landmark building embodies a fusion of critical parameters, including sustainability, context, climate, community, and user experience. Featuring a high-performance roof with an aluminum monocoque structure, akin to those used in cars and aircraft, we are leveraging cutting-edge technology to break free from conventional building practices. Melbourne is ahead of the curve with two vertiports designed for the city, and we are proud to be part of this exciting journey toward clean and green travel."
Martin Neilan, Aviation Director at Pascall+Watson Architects, emphasised the potential of the Melbourne Vertiport to enhance the city's liveability and connectivity, noting, "Advanced Air Mobility presents a real opportunity to revitalise our major cities, providing quiet, zero-pollution solutions for swift and eco-friendly metropolitan transit. This project aligns perfectly with Melbourne's Greenline Masterplan, offering an environmentally sensitive AAM facility and improving pedestrian access along the Yarra River."
Newton-Brown reiterated the importance of developing a network of new vertiport sites, asserting, "The key to this industry is breaking the nexus between aviation and existing airports. We need to develop a network of new vertiport sites if the industry is to reach its potential, and we see the greatest potential in waterfront locations.
For further information please contact Jaine Bolton Head of Marketing and Communications press@pascalls.co.uk