UK-based AAM infrastructure developer Urban-Air Port and sustainable infrastructure company BAI Energy are to jointly rejuvenate and modernise aviation infrastructure in Italy, initially by redeveloping a trio of disused aerodromes to support the rollout of next-generation vertiports.

Starting in northern Italy, the Phase 1 first three locations under negotiations are in Venice, Piedmont and Trieste.

“We're thrilled to join forces with Urban-Air Port on an exclusive basis to transform under-utilised aerodromes into hubs for urban air mobility across these first three locations,” says BAI Energy CEO Nathaniel Milner. “Its vertiport solution is the most advanced we have seen, and we have been very impressed by its approach, and technical and commercial expertise, which perfectly align with our own goals when it comes to modernising and electrifying Italy's transportation infrastructure.”

This collaboration will provide BAI access to Urban-Air Port (UAP) technology and services, including design, planning, infrastructure supply and the ability to leverage UAP's cutting-edge proprietary solutions to equip aerodromes with facilities and systems. The venture will benefit from strategic guidance from UAP's world class team to navigate the complexities of integrating advanced air mobility infrastructure into these locations and develop robust operational and financial plans by utilising UAP's proprietary, business modelling tools to enhance efficiency and support investment and growth.

Supported by Invest Italia and the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, BAI and UAP are already working to identify further complementary sites for Phase 2 that will form the basis of a fully connected network supporting passenger and cargo flights. BAI and UAP are currently in discussions with a number of preferred eVTOL manufacturers and operators.

“We're delighted that BAI Energy has chosen us to join it on this ground-breaking and realistic approach to integrating advanced air mobility into this stunning region,” comments Andrea Wu, CEO of Urban-Air Port. “Our modular vertiports are unrivalled and designed to integrate seamlessly into a variety of natural and built environments. That's been our approach from the very beginning; a solution that is designed to fit in, and we can't wait to get started in Italy.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to revitalise under-utilised aerodromes with potential to transform them into world class multi-modal vertiports, providing a new dimension of connectivity across this challenging northern Italy geography,” says Ricky Sandhu, founder of Urban-Air Port. “Northern Italy is just the beginning.”

Under the agreement, BAI has granted UAP the first right of refusal on any vertiport development and plans to work exclusively with it on these projects.

The collaboration is expected to set a new benchmark in urban air mobility and infrastructure development, starting in northern Italy and then expanding to other regions, shaping and building a new era of air travel. UAP's first overseas office in the EU is currently supporting BAI in the ongoing discussions with local governments across the launch regions of Venice, Piedmont and Trieste. Its world class experience in real-estate, planning, design, construction and, in particular, its track record having successfully built and operated a fully functional vertiport in the centre of UK's Coventry city centre, is of great value to this exciting initiative in Italy.