‘World’s first’ Urban-Air Port starts construction in Coventry

Construction on the ‘world’s first’ Urban-Air Port: Air One has started, in a project that will see Coventry become a testbed for such transport technology.

Coventry City Council has partnered with British start-up Urban-Air Port Ltd, to showcase Air One, a rapidly deployable Urban-Air Port (a vertiport) that is designed to support Electrical Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles for passenger air taxis and drone deployment for logistics. As the technology develops, it’s thought Urban-Air Port could support autonomous eVTOLs and drones (or unmanned aerial vehicles).

Its compact footprint means it could also be deployed in towns and cities, creating a network of connectivity to support the movement of parcels, from household deliveries to medical supplies.

Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: “This is yet another way that Coventry is leading the way when it comes to transport innovation. We are right at the front of the green industrial revolution and this is a brilliant world first.

“We’re pleased to be working with our partners at Urban Airport to showcase this breakthrough system, which in the near future could help to boost productivity in our towns and cities as well as supporting climate change efforts by taking vehicles off the roads.

“Any company looking to really innovate in this transport revolution should look to work in Coventry - whether it’s Air One, a Gigafactory or Coventry Very Light Rail, Coventry is the best place, with the best skills to collaborate with.  One of the best things about Air One is that local schools will be able to visit, look round, and be inspired for what they can achieve.”