Of late, urban air mobility aka urban transportation system by air is picking up the pace. Air mobility is growing, be it manned or unmanned. This market segment is estimated to be worth nearly $1.5 trillion (neatly €1.36 million) in just two more decades.
When it comes to urban air mobility, it is largely focused on vehicles and technology development and infrastructure remains an overlooked aspect. However, infrastructure is necessary to come up with urban air mobility products and unleash the complete potential.
This is where Skyports comes to play as it focuses on the infrastructure. The UK-based startup develops take-off and landing infrastructure also called vertiports and a drone delivery business.
In a recent development, Skyports secured £5 million (nearly €5.95 million) Series A funding led by Deutsche Bahn Digital Ventures (DBDV) and Groupe ADP along with participation from Levitate Capital.
Substantial interest across the world
Founded in 2017 by Duncan Walker and Simon Morrish, the company intends to use this investment to acquire sites for passenger and cargo vertiports in cities such as Los Angeles and Singapore. Back in October this year, Skyports showcased VoloPort, the world’s first passenger vertiport in partnership with air taxi manufacturer Volocopter. Since then, the startup has received substantial interest from landlords in cities across the world including Singapore.
Eyes to develop drone delivery business
Besides acquiring sites in global cities, Skyports is in plans to develop its drone delivery business. The company has acquired multiple drone platforms for both urban and rural environments. It is also in plans to expand its team for the commercialisation of its drone delivery services. Moreover, DBDV and Groupe ADP will take seats on the Skyports Board.
Develops world’s first vertiport!
Talking about VoloPort, Skyports unveiled the world’s first vertiport in Singapore in collaboration with Volocopter, the German air taxi pioneer. Skyports and Volocopter announced that through their continued partnership, they plan to introduce the first network of VoloPorts taking support from commercial air taxi services in Singapore within two to four years.
VoloPort is designed to provide an unparalleled passenger experience without comprising on security and safety. It features a modular design so that it can adapt to fit train stations, rooftops, parking lots, and other metropolitan locations.
Main image picture credits: Skyports
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