Vertiport developer Skyports Infrastructure has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ajman Transport Authority to collaborate on “smart aerial transport infrastructure,” laying the foundation for eVTOL air taxi services in the emirate.
The partners pledged to jointly research and develop vertiport facilities, identify suitable locations to build them, conduct feasibility studies, and enhance “technical and operational readiness,” according to Skyports, which announced the partnership on July 8.
Ajman, the smallest of the seven emirates in the UAE, views advanced air mobility as an integral part of its “smart city” ambitions, as outlined in the local government's Ajman Vision 2030 plan. The capital city, also named Ajman, is home to more than 90% of the emirate’s population.
Skyports is also building vertiport infrastructure in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In January, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority granted technical design approval for Skyports’ first UAE vertiport facility, located near Dubai International Airport. The company has been working closely with California-based eVTOL manufacturer Joby Aviation to prepare for the launch of electric air taxi services in Dubai, which could commence before the end of the year. It also recently revealed its proposed design for an Abu Dhabi vertiport.
Rival eVTOL manufacturer Archer Aviation is also working on plans to launch air taxi services in Abu Dhabi, where it has partnerships with local operator Abu Dhabi Aviation and local infrastructure developers. Both Archer and Joby recently started test flights with their aircraft in the UAE.
Last month London-based Skyports announced it had completed construction of a vertiport in Oxfordshire, England, where Vertical Aerospace plans to conduct demonstration flights with its VX4 eVTOL air taxi.