Volocopter has produced a comprehensive VoloPort handbook for the physical infrastructure supporting eVTOL aircraft operations, to guide readers through design, construction, material use, infrastructure adaptability and facility operations. The knowledge shared stems from Volocopter's numerous and direct collaborations with authorities, air operators, institutions, partners and internal expertise as an eVTOL aircraft designer.

Volocopter's VoloPort solution is a ready-made, compact and functionally independent urban vertiport concept. It can be used to accelerate the development of urban eVTOL infrastructure, expediting the public adoption of UAM and expanding its ecosystem in megacities. The VoloPort can be time- and cost-effectively modified to various business sizes, target customer groups and aircraft operations, requiring a minimal infrastructure footprint, especially in densely populated urban settings. Its modular design features a combination of prefabricated materials that allows construction to start as small as 25m x 25m (625 sqm; about twice the area of a tennis court), while ensuring a safe and accommodating space for both eVTOL operators and passengers. Additional landing pads and workspace can be implemented as required.

In essence, the VoloPort is a cost-efficient, modular and flexible construction design adaptable to space on land, at sea or above infrastructure. There are optional configurations for single level or stacked structures, and these can be prefabricated and quickly dismantled, if required. It is fully operational as a stand-alone vertiport equipped with the regulatory framework, and complies with eVTOL aircraft design, performance data and ground handling needs (eg charging, firefighting and rescue and maintenance). The vertiport will offer a smooth and safe customer journey with a consistent brand presence in the designed space.

The VoloPort handbook is based on a thorough assessment of the infrastructure and its operational concept. Parties interested in partnering with Volocopter to build and operate UAM infrastructures, such as cities and municipalities, investors, businesses or construction companies, are eligible to request this handbook from Volocopter.

CEO Florian Reuter comments: “Thanks to the collaboration with our partners and our internal expertise, I am delighted to demonstrate once again how we are leading the space by offering a tangible solution on the infrastructure side of the UAM ecosystem. We are looking forward to partnering with interested parties around the globe to hasten the development of a sustainable UAM vertiport network, and I am excited to soon see our VoloPorts in operation.”

For a sustainable UAM ecosystem, a network of ground-based infrastructure is as critical to its success as the development of eVTOL aircraft, and Volocopter has always pursued the completion of the ecosystem from both sides. Since highlighting its full scale first vertiport concept in Singapore in 2019, Volocopter has worked closely with EASA to give and receive guidance on UAM infrastructure development. Additionally, Volocopter is working with several civil aviation authorities as well as the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE), ASTM International and GAMA to proactively drive the development of standardised vertiports around the world.

To arrive at this VoloPort design and functionality, Volocopter collaborated with Arup on the technical infrastructure planning, drawing on aviation expertise and sustainability concept; with Bayards Aluminium Constructies on designing and ensuring the structural engineering of the take off and landing platform, including related systems such as firefighting; and with GRAFT on the architecture and customer journey design.