Aerospace, logistics, cybersecurity and risk management services company Dymond Group has committed a significant investment into UK infrastructure tech start-up Urban-Air Port (UAP), and will order two of its AirOne vertiports for deployment in Canada.

Dymond founder and CEO Carl Dymond will join the UAP board of directors alongside UAP founder Ricky Sandhu and Adam Slepian, global head of partnerships at Supernal, the advanced air mobility division of the South Korean motor group Hyundai.

Dymond's investment will help accelerate the development of a global zero emission mobility ecosystem. This funding builds upon a previous seed investment from Supernal in 2021.

The Dymond Group intends to expand the UAP footprint into North America by strategically placing UAP facilities in areas where urban growth and development are happening across Canada in the coming years, to establish an eco-friendly transportation and logistics hub.

“We are extremely excited to work with UAP to expand this capability into North America. Implementing this infrastructure will provide a foundation stone toward the evolution of inter-city and regional transportation in Canada. With the projected growth of regional and provincial hubs, we will strive to build a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective transportation and logistics network,”says Dymond.

Dymond Group is initially looking to secure two UAP AirOne models, with the first to be placed in Atlantic Canada and a second in western Canada.

UAP CEO Ricky Sandhu says: “We are thrilled to have the backing of Dymond Group. Its work in aviation and in physical and digital infrastructure management aligns perfectly with our focus and future growth plans in North America and globally. Carl Dymond's wealth of experience at the intersection of infrastructure, transport and security will be a huge addition to our board. UAP sees Canada as an ideal market for our advanced air mobility infrastructure solutions, and we couldn't have found a better partner.”

UAP board director and global head of partnerships at Supernal Adam Slepian adds: “Carl Dymond and the great team at the Dymond Group are an excellent addition to the already incredible UAP team. This partnership adds immediate impact and complements the work that we are doing with Canadian advanced air mobility and Canadian leadership to launch advanced air mobility in the Canadian and North American geographies. This international collaboration demonstrates a best-in-class partnership in ecosystem development for AAM. I could not be more excited for this team and the future of our industry.”