Supernal, Hyundai’s air taxi company, and Urban-Air Port have debuted what it claims is the first functional multi-modal infrastructure hub for the future of electric air travel.
Just a few days after debuting an animated look at its manned and unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft hub and how they could be deployed in the real world, Urban-Air Port has unveiled its first Air One hub.
The vertiport is based in Coventry, U.K., and will be redeployed in additional cities worldwide later this year to continue advanced air mobility (AAM) passenger travel and operations firsthand.
"The Air-One activation is an important step for the advanced air mobility industry and demonstrates how eVTOLs can easily integrate with existing transportation networks to address local needs," said Mike Whitaker, chief commercial officer at Supernal. "The reality is no single mode of transportation — current or future — can solve cities' traffic and congestion challenges. Supernal is working with partners like Urban-Air Port to design infrastructure that brings multiple modes of transportation together under one 'roof' and enable AAM to reach its full potential."
Air One
Air One was erected in 11 weeks and is divided into fully outfitted zones including a passenger lounge, café, retail pop-up, cargo logistics hub, electric and hydrogen air vehicle hangar, security screening, and command and control center.
The 17,000 sq ft hub is anchored by a 56 ft circular final approach and takeoff (FATO) platform that raises 19 ft in the sky. This will allow aircraft to be placed in the FATO and then raised to the top of the platform for liftoff.
The launch of Air One will feature Supernal’s concept eVTOL aircraft, the S-A1, on display in the hangar. Live demonstrations from the FATO and several new electric vehicles (EVs) connected to EV chargers on the vertiport’s exterior will be shown to the public.
Air One is located about 0.2 miles from the main Coventry rail and bus stations and is being demonstrated to show how compact, prefabricated hubs can enable multi-modal travel including AAM in numerous locations.
Collaboration
Supernal has been working with Urban-Air Port since 2020 with the aim to support future AAM operations related to building infrastructure networks, physical prototypes and shaping operational procedures.
Supernal has also been working on creating an AAM ecosystem in the city of Miami, Florida, to enhance existing transit options and determine if new policies are needed to enable the flight industry. Supernal also supports a public-private partnership with Los Angeles for the city’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) planning including development and implementation of public engagement and empowerment strategy.
