Italy-based vertiport operator UrbanV and Foster + Partners, the international studio for architecture, engineering, urban and landscape design, are to explore development projects in the field of AAM in the Middle East and beyond. They will select and evaluate sites, plan and design vertiports with high sustainable and safety standards, and design the passenger experience and communication to comply with local regulations and requirements.

Both parties will benefit from mutual expertise in designing and planning one or more vertiport facility, creating a functional design complying with local regulations. And for communication purposes, Foster + Partners will create graphic and business materials to increase UrbanV's prestige in the market and sector discussions.

The building will incorporate environment friendly material and strategies to reduce energy consumption.

“At UrbanV, we aim to improve people's lives by enabling a fast, efficient, safe and clean alternative to existing transport solutions for people and goods over short distances by air,” says CEO Carlo Tursi. “We aim to become a major global operator of vertiport networks, and we will be global pioneers in establishing some of the first AAM routes worldwide. We are excited to partner with Foster + Partners, a global leader in its field, and we look forward to exploring together with it the great potential of introducing advanced air mobility in the Middle East market and beyond.”

Toby Blunt, senior partner of Foster + Partners adds: “We are delighted to be working with UrbanV with a vision to transform the way people travel. Drawing on the practice's vast experience of aviation projects, we will look to develop a revolutionary new model for urban travel in the future.”

UrbanV will also be working with ICAD Holding to develop vertiport operations and infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. They aim to establish a blueprint for vertiport operations, including technology system integration, take off and landing procedures, and define a plan to operate vertiports and vertiport networks in the Middle East.

ICAD will contribute its broad expertise across construction, technology integration and operational management sectors to support UrbanV in building and managing the vertiports. This includes contracts for aeronautical and non-aeronautical aspects of vertiport operation and maintenance.

Ziad El Sayegh, CEO at ICAD, says: “Our extensive experience in construction and technology integration positions us uniquely to support UrbanV in realising its vision for a seamless infrastructure for aerial mobility network. Together, we will create a robust framework for vertiport network operations that not only enhances connectivity and passenger experience but also sets new standards for efficiency and sustainability in urban air mobility.”