Siemens and Skyway join forces to develop Vertiport infrastructure

Siemens, the global technology company, and Skyway, a company with extensive expertise in airspace mission planning, management, and unmanned aircraft operations, are joining forces to develop Vertiport infrastructure for vertical take-off and landing electric aircraft (eVTOL). This partnership aims to determine the electrical and digital infrastructure required to operate such vertiports.

Siemens’ mockup of a fully functioning Vertiport

Siemens and Skyway will work together to study the energy requirements of Vertiports and develop sustainable power supply solutions, standardized charging procedures, and a higher-level system to support flight operations. Siemens believes that innovation in Vertiport infrastructure is crucial for the future scalability of electric vertical take-off operations.

Both companies will contribute their strengths to drive the development of Vertiports, including research, development, planning, and participation in construction and operation. The first priority of this partnership will be to design and develop an end-to-end eVTOL charging process by evaluating charging, energy, and software requirements to ensure reliable and efficient operations for all eVTOL aircraft.

According to John Kasuda, Head of Airports at Siemens Smart Infrastructure North America, “It is exciting for Siemens to contribute to the evolution of the Urban Air Mobility Industry. The development and efficient operations of vertiports will require innovative solutions to meet the expected demands of fast aircraft turnaround times and a network of varying landing facilities.”

Clifford Cruz, CEO of Skyway, added, “Sustainable energy solutions will be the foundation and the necessity for adoption of Urban Air Mobility with the electrification of eVTOL aircraft. Combining our companies’ resources and industry foresight can influence vertiport construction efforts and general UAM solutions on an industry-wide scale while setting a new precedent for modern transportation.”

Siemens and Skyway’s partnership is an important step forward in the development of Vertiport infrastructure overall, which will be essential to the growth of urban air mobility.

A Vertiport concept by new Vertiport developer Ferrovial

Why it’s important: The development of take-off and landing sites for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, such as air taxis and drones, is critical to the growth and success of the aerial mobility industry. Vertiports will play a key role in enabling point-to-point travel, reducing congestion on the ground, and providing an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

The partnership between Siemens and Skyway to develop Vertiport infrastructure is significant because it brings together the expertise of two major companies with highly successful track records in different areas, which will greatly increase drive innovation and potential for success in the development of Vertiports. Siemens brings extensive infrastructure expertise in electrification, electric vehicle charging, and facility operations, while Skyway has expertise in airspace mission planning and management, air traffic control, and unmanned aircraft operations.

This collaboration will enable Siemens and Skyway to study the energy requirements of Vertiports, develop sustainable power supply solutions, standardize charging procedures, and design higher-level systems to support flight operations. By doing so, the two companies can influence vertiport construction efforts and general Urban Air Mobility (UAM) solutions on an industry-wide scale while setting a new precedent for modern transportation.

Source // Electrive, Ferrovia