Skyports Infrastructure, a pioneer in vertiport development, is expanding its footprint in Australia The company has recently formed strategic alliances with both Wisk, a US-based eVTOL manufacturer, and Wagner Corporation, a prominent Australian property and infrastructure firm.
These partnerships aim to expedite the development of a comprehensive vertiport network in Queensland, a region poised for substantial growth in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics looming, the demand for air taxi services is anticipated to skyrocket, contributing significantly to the Australian economy. Skyports and Wagner Corporation will collaboratively evaluate potential vertiport locations from Wagner’s extensive property portfolio, considering factors such as commercial viability and operational efficiency.
This strategic collaboration is a pivotal step in establishing a robust infrastructure for commercial air taxi operations in the region. By leveraging the expertise of both companies, Skyports and Wagner Corporation will work together to identify and develop optimal vertiport sites that meet the specific requirements of eVTOL aircraft and align with the region’s urban planning objectives.
This includes factors such as proximity to transportation hubs, accessibility for passengers, and integration with existing infrastructure. The successful implementation of this vertiport network will not only revolutionize transportation within Queensland but also contribute to the development of a sustainable and efficient urban environment.
It will provide a convenient and time-saving alternative to traditional ground transportation, reduce congestion, and improve air quality. Moreover, it will stimulate economic growth by attracting businesses and tourists to the region.
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, a decade-old privately funded public airport, is poised to become a pivotal hub for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Australia. Strategically located near Brisbane, it meets the requirements to serve as an initial vertiport testbed and eventually a permanent site for air taxi operations.
Wagner Corporation, the airport’s developer, plans to establish manufacturing facilities to produce and test electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, catering not only to Australian but also to Asia Pacific operators. The goal is to have multiple such sites operational by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, coinciding with the launch of air taxi services.
Wisk’s autonomous Generation 6 aircraft is expected to be among the eVTOLs transporting passengers during the Olympics, providing residents of the Southeast Queensland region with early access to zero-emission air travel.
Skyports and Wisk’s partnership, initiated in 2022, aims to create a dedicated operational network, known as an Entry-into-Service (EIS) network, in the region. This network will facilitate the seamless integration of air taxis into the local transportation infrastructure.
Wagner Corporation’s extensive property portfolio and the potential of locations like Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport offer ideal sites for establishing these vertiports. The partnership between Skyports and Wisk represents a significant step towards realizing the vision of sustainable, efficient, and accessible urban air mobility.
