The operator of the Melbourne heliport on the Yarra River, Microflite in collaboration with Skyportz are exploring options for new electric air taxi vertiport sites to access Melbourne, starting with the existing helipad on the Yarra River.
Microflite Chief Operating Officer, Rodney Higgins has plans to replace his fleet of tourism helicopters with electric air taxis. “We have been following closely the development of numerous electric air taxi prototypes in recent years and it appears clear that the frontrunners will be available for commercial operations soon”, said Higgins.
“The aviation industry needs to do its bit for the environment and electric aviation will have a place very soon for short range operations. In addition to decarbonising aviation, we expect these aircraft will be much quieter, safer and affordable”, said Higgins.
Melbourne based vertiport developer, Skyportz® has worked with Contreras Earl Architecture and Pascall+Watson to develop a vertiport concept at Batman Park on the Yarra River to replace the long serving helipad. Under this plan the site would also be a multi modal hub for electric transport, including ferries and hire boats. A cafe would provide an area for people to view the action.
All three leading candidates for Lord Mayor are positive about the concept. Elections will be held this month. “We want to work with Microflite, CASA, the State Government and the new Lord Mayor to create one of the first purpose built vertiports in the world”, said Newton-Brown.
“Of the many thousands of passengers and tourists that Microflite fly from its Melbourne Heliport each year, an increasing number are asking when the aviation industry will be progressing to sustainable operations”, said Higgins
Newton-Brown sees the Yarra River vertiport as the first in a network of future landing sites that will be enabled with these new aircraft. He has identified Fishermans Bend or the Port for a larger vertiport base where aircraft will be charged, maintained and hangered. In addition to the existing Batman Park helipad site, Southern Cross Station and the sports precinct have been identified as potential vertistop locations for setting down and picking up passengers, subject to approvals by State and local governments.
Skyportz has patented a modular vertipad product to enable private commercial property owners to join the Advanced Air Mobility network.
“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”’ said Newton-Brown.
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