Category: Infrastructure

Private aircraft operator Jet Linx has officially announced intentions to enter the eVTOL market following an agreement with Blade Urban Air Mobility. Through Blade, Jet Linx, along with other operators, will gain ownership of up to 20 total Beta Technologies Alia aircraft, which Blade recently made a reservation for.

According to a recent press release, “Blade has entered into an arrangement with Jet Linx, a leading U.S. aircraft operator supported by equity capital from RedBird Capital Partners relating to the purchase of EVAs from Beta. The arrangement enables Jet Linx to own and operate EVA (Electric Vertical Aircraft) for Blade flights, subject to entering into definitive agreements.”

Blade recently ordered up to 20 eVTOL ‘Alia’ aircraft from Beta Technologies for use in services. Photograph: Beta Technologies

Currently, Jet Linx offers aircraft management services and sells jet cards from 19 bases in the United States, and recently expanded into top private jet airports including Boston Hanscomb Field, Chicago Executive, Denver Centennial, Washington Dulles, and New York Teterboro. 

Blade will facilitate EVA purchases by Jet Linx and other Blade operators through minimum flight hour guarantees. The agreement includes a commitment for Blade operators or third-party financing sources who will enter into leasing arrangements with operators to purchase Beta’s first passenger-configured EVAs, scheduled for delivery beginning in late 2024.

These initial Beta EVAs will be deployed on routes between Jet Linx’ network of dedicated terminals in the northeast, where Beta has agreed to provide and install charging infrastructure at key locations.

Photograph: Beta Technologies

“Blade is laser-focused on its transition from conventional rotorcraft to Electric Vertical Aircraft. The ALIA’s extremely low sound footprint, coupled with its zero emissions design, will enable us to reduce the noise and environmental impact to the communities surrounding the existing heliport and airport infrastructure we currently use,” said Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal, “ALIA is a full-scale EVA flying in piloted configuration almost every day. The team’s progress is formidable. Beta’s scheduled delivery beginning in 2024 is ahead of our current projected deployment of EVA in 2025. The transaction, consistent with our asset-light business model, allows us to leverage our significant flight volumes and third-party financing relationships to enable the purchase of BETA aircraft by our operator partners.”

Photograph: Beta Technologies

Why it’s important: Blade recently announced it would become a public company through a SPAC merger with Experience Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: EXPC), where Blade and Beta’s agreement relating to ALIA EVAs’ purchase is conditioned on the completion of the merger. With these agreements with Jet Linx and other aircraft operators and eVTOL developers in place, Blade is in a strong position to facilitate future aerial mobility travel services in the United States. 

Source // Private Jet Card Comparisons

Japan’s transport ministry has begun full-scale talks on safety standards and other key issues regarding commercial and private use of flying cars. The transport ministry is planning to establish standards on requirements for performance and safety, as well as a licensing system by the end of 2023, which would apply to all flying cars in Japan. Additionally, the ministry is also looking to establish related infrastructure by 2023 and for flying vehicles to start flying in safe areas where there are no people around.

According to The Japan Times, “The ministry will hold discussions on the performance of such vehicles, including vehicle stability, weight and flying range, and on safety standards such as collision avoidance systems. It will also debate whether to create a dedicated license for flying car pilots.”

The SkyDrive Inc. SD-03 flying car is test-flown during a demonstration to the media at the Toyota Test Field in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020.  Photograph: Toru Hanai/Bloomberg

Recently in April 2021, the transport ministry announced the establishment of a dedicated department “that will draw up guidelines as early as this autumn on procedures needed for companies to conduct test flights of vehicles currently under development,” according to The Japan Times. Gradually introducing such vehicles to transport goods, save lives at times of disaster and as a method of transportation in underpopulated areas and remote islands, the ministry plans to start flying car operations in urban areas in the 2030s. The ultimate goal is to produce flying vehicles that are maneuverable, fit for daily use, and cheaper than helicopters.

Japanese startup SkyDrive Inc. conducted a test flight of a pilotless vehicle controlled remotely in December 2018. The Tokyo-based company successfully conducted a manned test flight in August last year. According to the ministry, future tests conducted outdoors will require companies to obtain approval from the transport minister under the civil aeronautics act, and must also submit documents including blueprints of the flying car prototype, licenses including those to fly helicopters and a plan of measures to mitigate accident risks.

Photograph: SkyDrive

Why it’s important: The key goal for these talks is for Japan to establish a set of simple, easy to conduct procedures that still ensure performance and safety standards being met. In the future, the ministry plans to create guidelines that are easy for companies conducting tests for the first time to understand, where its new department will act as a point of contact, allowing companies to complete one-stop procedures, a move that should greatly improve flying car development in Japan.

Source // The Japan Times

Wisk, the aerospace company currently developing the eVTOL aircraft called the Cora, has proceeded with a “Transport Trial” to advance autonomous flight in New Zealand. In addition, Wisk will be integrating Insitu Pacific Pty Ltd, an unmanned aerial systems developer and Boeing subsidiary into their program. Integrating Insitu into the Transport Trial will allow Wisk to use Boeing’s expertise and advanced technology to the project, according to Wisk’s press release. 

According to Anna Kominik, Asia Pacific Region Director for Wisk, “New Zealand presents a unique opportunity and we are immensely proud to have been recognized by the New Zealand Government as the first airspace integration industry partner. New Zealand’s focus on decarbonizing its economy as part of the electric transport evolution directly aligns with Wisk’s mission to deliver safe, everyday flight for everyone through effective, accessible and sustainable urban air mobility solutions.”

Photograph: Cora

Wisk’s Transport Trial is part of New Zealand’s Airspace Integration Trial Program (AITP), which entails testing and demonstrating the integration of unmanned aircraft into airspace. Along with multiple government agencies and New Zealand’s Airways Corporation, Wisk will be performing flight tests, simulation work, and data analysis. The first phase of the Trial will focus on gathering and analyzing this data in order to support integrating eVTOL aircraft into the airspace system, according to a Wisk representative. 

According to Gary Gysin, CEO of Wisk, “Wisk has always seen the distinct advantages of New Zealand, including the country’s globally respected Civil Aviation Authority and flexibility for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), These factors, combined with the advantages of testing and operating in a relatively un-congested airspace and the innovative culture of early adoption, makes New Zealand uniquely positioned as a leader for autonomous UAM integration trials.”

Photograph: Cora

“The aim of the Transport Trial, which is part of the New Zealand government’s, broader Airspace Integration Trial Program (AITP), is to safely evaluate, test, and demonstrate the integration of unmanned aircraft into existing airspace,” the representative for Wisk said. “The goal is to provide robust data that can be used by Governments, ANSP, and Civil Aviation Authorities to advance standards globally.”

“We are not providing details on the specifics around this yet,” the representative said. “However, it is important to stress that the Transport Trial is platform agnostic as its goal is to advance autonomous passenger transport in New Zealand – and other jurisdictions – as well as inform/support other trials in the AITP, focused around cargo delivery, agricultural services, and hazard management and monitoring services. This is part of our recognition that the operating ecosystem is as important as a certified aircraft.”

Photograph: Cora

Why it’s important: Wisk presents their latest progress on their development of the Cora in conjunction with the New Zealand government. Thanks to Boeing’s continued firm commitment to the aerial mobility sector. Additionally, with the promising outlook for New Zealand’s lockdown situation, Wisk looks to take full advantage of the potential early return for the Cora.

Source // Aviation Today

The British government has granted approval for Hyundai and Urban-Air Port to build the world’s first eVTOL hub in Coventry. Set to debut later this year, this facility will serve as a port for eVTOL aircraft and autonomous delivery drones. Hyundai and Urban-Air Port also intend to use this opportunity to display the full potential of aerial mobility in the UK and worldwide. The Air-One hub will be a temporary airport in the Coventry city center, and will hold live demonstrations intended to showcase the utility of eVTOLs and drones for the purpose of aerial mobility, including but not limited to transportation, autonomous logistics, and disaster emergency response.

By November 2021, the Air-One hub will be up and running, partially due to a £1.2 million (about $1.65 million) grant from UK Research and Innovation’s Future Flight Challenge. According to the official press release, the Air-One hub will take up less space and resources compared to the average helipad or airport. The Air-One hub is zero-emissions, and will have the capability to operate completely off the grid. 

Urban-Air Port also intends to develop 200 more urban airports globally within the next five years. According to Urban-Air Port founder Ricky Sandhu, “Cars need roads. Trains need rails. Planes need airports. eVTOLs will need Urban Air Ports. Over a hundred years ago, the world’s first commercial flight took off, creating the modern connected world. Urban-Air Port will improve connectivity across our cities, boost productivity and help the UK to take the lead in a whole new clean global economy.”

The Air-One hub. Image // Urban Air Port/Hyundai

Why it’s important: The approval to build this temporary hub in the UK represents a huge step for the industry. Successful demonstrations at the Air-One hub could help improve optics for sustainable aerial mobility as well as accelerate the development of aerial mobility infrastructure worldwide. 

Source // Robb Report

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the creation of the Urban Air Mobility Partnership, an initiative that will help shape Los Angeles into one of the cities at the forefront of aerial mobility. Part of a public-private partnership between the Mayor’s Office, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), and Urban Movement Labs (UML), the Urban Air Mobility Partnership was formed in order to educate and engage LA’s residents with the idea of introducing aerial mobility by 2023. 

Los Angeles and Urban Movement Labs will lead a multi-stakeholder effort to visualize a vertiport and help Los Angeles identify and resolve challenges identified by local, diverse stakeholders surrounding public airspace and property rights.

“Los Angeles is where we turn today’s ideas into tomorrow’s reality — a place where a barrier-breaking concept like urban air mobility can truly get off the ground,” said Mayor Garcetti. “The Urban Air Mobility Partnership will make our city a force for cleaner skies, safer transportation, expanded prosperity, and stunning innovation, and provide a template for how other local governments can take this new technology to even greater heights.” 

Working together, Los Angeles and Urban Movement Labs will lead a multi-stakeholder effort to visualize a vertiport and help Los Angeles identify and resolve challenges identified by local, diverse stakeholders surrounding public airspace and property rights. This one year partnership will also develop a policy toolkit that will be able to be utilized and deployed nationwide. 

With financial backing from the Urban Air Mobility Division of Hyundai Motor Group, UML will also work together with Estolano Advisors to hire an Urban Air Mobility Fellow who will work towards advancing a comprehensive public engagement strategy for aerial mobility, including how it will strengthen the local economy, the schedule for when vehicles will take flight, and how it will impact and improve the local citizens’ daily lives. 

“Now more than ever, with so many suffering the impacts of a devastating pandemic, Los Angeles needs a resilient transportation network that can adapt to the needs of its communities with the flip of a switch,” said LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds. “As we prepare to include [aerial mobility] as a viable option for moving goods and people across our City, it is critical that we hear from stakeholders and design a system that works for all Angelenos.”

Why it’s important: With the city of Los Angeles now officially working towards this development, the Urban Air Mobility Partnership will set a powerful precedent for how diverse stakeholders can collaborate on a safe, community-centered approach to integrating aerial mobility technology into existing and new multimodal platforms.

Source // sUAS News

uAvionix announced that they will be participating in the deployment of Vantis, North Dakota’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) infrastructure and network. A partner of Thales’ TopSky Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) platform, uAvionix will provide infrastructural support to Vantis through the deployment of terrestrial command and control (C2) infrastructure and a cloud-based C2 service, enabling centralized management, coordination, and C2 handoffs. The successful integration of the C2 system into Vantis is an important first step for the goal of eventually introducing UAS systems into global airspace, a milestone that will be vital for integrating aerial mobility into the transportation sector. 

Photograph: uAvionix

Led by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, the deployment of Vantis will enable future BVLOS missions across the key-site deployment area of McKenzie County, ND. A key part of that ability will come from the uAvionix’s C2 service, which will be able to monitor overall system performance, the health and signal strength of each radio on the network, location monitoring and tracking, and centralized control. 

The C2 service leverages uAvionix’s microLink Airborne Radio Systems (ARS) and skyStation Ground Radio Systems (GRS) developed to ASTM standards. microLink and skyStation are dual-architecture MIMO digital frequency hopping radios which enable intelligent make-before-break (MBB) transitions from one GRS to the next in long-range operations, enhancing the overall safety case.

In addition to the C2 service, uAvionix will additionally contribute to the overall low-altitude airspace surveillance picture through the deployment of its pingStation networkable ADS-B receivers.

“Thales is excited to partner with uAvionix in North Dakota to deploy a BVLOS C2 network infrastructure and service,” said Frank Matus, Director of Digital Aviation Market Development for Thales. “uAvionix achievements in the areas of surveillance and TSO avionics is instrumental in addressing the command and communications challenges faced by the emerging UAS industry in North Dakota and across the national airspace system.”

Why it’s important: Vantis represents both an exciting possibility on its own as well as the future of UAS integration into global airspace. With this, uAvionix advances its mission to overcome operational and technical challenges of UAS integration into global airspace by providing networks with infrastructure and certified low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) avionics for mission-critical applications.

Source // uAvionix Press Release (11/19/2020)

PRICE Systems, an industry leader in cost estimation technology, has joined with Access Skyways, a group of partner companies working to support the integration of aerial mobility transportation worldwide.

PRICE Systems has previously been a critical component of progressing the aerial mobility industry, providing model-based cost engineering technology and consulting to predict total lifecycle costs (PRICE Cost Analytics) – down to electric components and transportation infrastructure. With PRICE Systems now joining Access Skyways, PRICE’s Cost Analytics technology will now be able to provide direct advice to Access Skyways.

Initially formed by Jaunt Air Mobility, Access Skyways works to help organizations through the implementation process of aerial mobility, ranging from general transit to vertiports to air operations. Access Skyways develops and provides data and analysis on infrastructure design, supply and demand cost analysis, flight operations, electrification, existing flight infrastructure, and maintenance and repair. Jaunt Air Mobility is also a designer and manufacturer of its own piloted (or autonomous) electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban and regional mobility. Jaunt is also a named partner with Uber Elevate, and will provide eVTOL aircraft for Uber’s planned flight operations.

Initially formed by Jaunt Air Mobility, Access Skyways works to help organizations through the implementation process of aerial mobility, ranging from general transit to vertiports to air operations. Featured above is Jaunt Air Mobility’s eVTOL, designed for urban air mobility transportation.

According to Anthony Demarco, CEO of PRICE Systems, “The future of flight is real and we are excited to bring our aeronautics cost estimating experience to the table and join a strong group of companies whose paths have crossed before.”

Nate Sirirojvisuth, PhD, Sr. Cost Research Analyst at PRICE Systems states that, “We have great eVTOL technology, but we need to optimize it for the market, not just performance.”

Why it’s important: Access Skyways represents an important part of the aerial mobility industry, providing aid for organizations in managing the complexity of introducing a new system of transit to a preexisting transit ecosystem. PRICE Systems’ inclusion will further support the integration of future transport for aerial mobility worldwide.

Source // PR Newswire

Humatics has secured $30 million in Series B funding to scale its sub-millimeter Milo Microlocation System and increase its footprint in the transit industry with its proprietary Rail Navigation System, among other investments, company leadership announced today.

Blackhorn Ventures led the funding round, with Tenfore Holdings, Fontinalis Partners, Airbus Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, and Presidio Ventures following suit. The $30 million infusion grows the company’s funding by a third, bringing its total raised to over $80 million.

David Mindell, CEO Humatics

“This visionary $30 million investment will help bring Humatics microlocation technology to scale across the globe” said David Mindell, CEO of Humatics. “Microlocation technology is useful especially now, as we try to keep each other safe by providing space and keeping people and goods moving. We are grateful to Blackhorn and our other investors for sharing that vision.”

“We’re excited to lead the Series B round and invest in the Humatics team,” said Trevor Zimmerman, managing partner of Blackhorn Ventures. “Humatics’ focus on developing location and navigation technology for the transit space and millimeter scale precise positioning technology for manufacturing, logistics, construction and medical unlocks unprecedented collaboration between humans, machines and infrastructure. We look forward to working with the Humatics team to leverage the tremendous success they’ve had with their Rail Navigation System and Microlocation System.”

Humatics proprietary Milo Microlocation System has broad uses across the manufacturing, logistics, industrial equipment, healthcare and construction spaces, helping to identify with millimeter precision where objects are in relation to each other, facilitating seamless collaboration between people, machines, robots and infrastructure. In manufacturing, the technology improves the speed and accuracy of autonomous lineside delivery, making it possible for lineside workers to take on other high-value tasks, and to facilitate tool endpoint tracking for faster, and better-quality assembly procedures. For other markets such as healthcare, construction, and security, Humatics envisions this technology fundamentally transforming how we conduct surgeries, manage secure spaces and utilize construction tools to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Humatics uses UWB, IMU and offers integration with additional sensors for additional safety, and robustness.

In transportation, Humatics Rail Navigation System improves transit vehicle navigation and positioning which helps trains run closer together, speeding up throughput and improving safety in some of the nation’s busiest urban environments. These upgrades are proving critical as transit systems recover from Covid-19 slowdowns.

Humatics recently completed a successful pilot project to install its ultra-wideband technology on 5.5 miles of track in New York City’s subway system. The pilot showcased the technology’s durability, ease of installation, and potential to speed train throughput in one of the busiest transportation networks on the globe. For more information on Humatics’ work on the MTA UWB Pilot, see here.

The company also aims to expand its transportation footprint beyond New York City– helping large- and mid-market transportation systems across the United States and globally upgrade their signaling systems for quicker throughput, improved environmental durability, and reduced maintenance times.

Why it matters: Humatics Round B funding drew in investors well known within the aerospace industry including Airbus Ventures and Lockheed Martin Ventures. The technology, while being demonstrated in rail technology, offers opportunities to provide incredible opportunities within the aerial mobility space. With Humatics micro-location system, eVTOL vehicles will be able to operate in greater densities and navigate around surrounding hazards. Look for companies like Humatics to be at the center of the aerial mobility navigation conversation.

UrbanFootprint, a location intelligence and urban planning software company, has been chosen as a key software partner to support NASA’s UAM initiative. Through NASA’s UAM program, “NASA will provide early adopters of UAM technology with a safe, efficient, and flexible system to operate air vehicles for moving passengers and cargo within metropolitan areas.”, according to an UrbanFootprint blog post. UrbanFootprint, with its data, analysis, and mapping capabilities, will work with NASA to support in airspace operations and safety by developing an industry-standard 3D Urban Airspace Map and can assist in the siting of critical ‘vertiports’ (air-vehicle takeoff and landing pads) and aerial route planning. UrbanFootprint is part of a team led by The Innovation Laboratory Inc., and is working directly under the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.

“Urban Air Mobility has the potential to revolutionize urban transportation. It can play a role in freight and delivery, passenger transportation, and emergency response. Planning and deployment of UAM requires a comprehensive understanding of the groundscape and how air space interacts with the complex nature of urban environments.”

UrbanFootprint’s expertise and capabilities can aid in the siting of critical ‘vertiports’ (air-vehicle takeoff and landing pads) and aerial route planning. “The UrbanFootprint platform will enable NASA and the project team to identify potential sites across the urban landscape, accounting for a myriad of contingencies and requirements, including accessibility, risk and resilience, energy use, and environmental impact.” This is all to help NASA’s ultimate goal of developing a 3D Urban Airspace Map with a network of vertiports and airspace traffic layers, which could integrate with the urban and environmental data and analytical capabilities of the UrbanFootprint platform.

Why it’s important: The development of a proper and safe infrastructure for aerial mobility is critical in ensuring that the industry succeeds in the next few decades. With UrbanFootprint’s aid, the aerial mobility industry can gain an industry-standard 3D Urban Airspace Map, something that would be extremely useful for any company in the industry.
Source // UrbanFootprint blog post (8/27/20)