Skyportz and Microflite join forces to develop vertiport network in Melbourne
October 3, 2024
Melbourne heliport operator, Microflite, is looking to explore options for electric air taxi vertiport sites starting with its existing helipad on the Yarra River.
Having called time on its future running helicopters for tourism, Microflite in collaboration with vertiport developer, Skyportz, is planning to explore options for electric air taxi vertiport sites. The two companies plan to work with the soon to be elected new Lord Mayor and the Victorian government to develop a vertiport network that will include Microflite’s existing helipad on the Yarra River.
Amid plans to replace his fleet of tourism helicopters with cleaner, greener, quieter air taxis, Rodney Higgins, Microflite COO said: “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.”
He added that aviation needs to do its bit for the environment. “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.”
Skyportz has already worked with Contreras Earl Architecture and architect firm Pascall + Watson, to develop its multi-modal concept at Batman Park to replace the long serving Yarra River facility.
In addition to the existing Batman Park helipad site, the nearby 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.
“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”, continued Higgins.
The Victorian state government is proactively exploring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) stating that its AAM Action Plan will remove barriers to industry development and support new investment into the State. It will prepare Victoria’s economy to benefit from the range of new clean energy industries, technology and jobs that will strengthen Victoria’s capability and supply chain across the aerospace, advanced manufacturing and renewables sector.
Clem Newton-Brown, Syportz’ CEO added: ““Electric aviation is going to be a multi billion dollar industry with significant benefits for those cities that are first movers. Melbourne is perfectly placed to seize this opportunity with its existing heliport site that has been in operation for over 50 years”, said Newton-Brown.
