Skyportz to Close Fundraising Round following $18M Federal Grant

Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has just announced release of $18M in grants under the first round of the New and Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships.

“The Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships Program will ensure our aviation sector remains at the forefront of innovation as it continues to develop and grow, particularly with renewed focus on achieving net zero carbon emissions”, said Minister Catherine King.

Skyportz is the only vertiport infrastructure company in Australia. They have been working for 4 years to encourage the development of Advanced Air Mobility policy at all levels of Government, particularly in the space of essential vertiport infrastructure.

“We are really pleased about this announcement as it is putting resources into drones and air taxi developments that will one day need our network of vertiports to fulfil their potential”, said Clem Newton-Brown, CEO of Skyportz.

Skyportz has over 400 potential sites owned by property partners wanting to get a first mover advantage in this emerging industry.

Skyportz is set to close its second seed fundraising round on November 10th to develop its first prototype vertiport. With over 180 new investors this will bring the total equity shareholder number to over 600 investors who are excited about the prospects of this new industry.

“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 Skyportz is readying the landscape to partner with infrastructure investors”, said Newton-Brown.

Why it’s important: This Grant makes it clear that there is strong policy support for Advanced Air Mobility in Australia at a Federal Government level and backs in the recent roadmap released by air regulator CASA to develop the drone and air taxi market in Australia. Read more details on The Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Strategic Regulatory Roadmap here.

Source // Skyportz press release

Related:

• Skyportz Announces Plans for Australia’s First Vertiport in Melbourne (August 2022)