Atlantic Aviation is advancing its plans for urban air mobility by partnering with global real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield. The collaboration, announced through its subsidiary Vertiports by Atlantic, aims to identify and develop locations for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in key metropolitan areas across the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Vertiports by Atlantic has selected Cushman & Wakefield as its exclusive real estate partner.
- The partnership will focus on developing infrastructure for eVTOL air taxis in major U.S. cities.
- Initial target markets include New York, New Jersey, California, and Florida.
- The companies aim to begin securing the first vertiport sites before the end of the year.
New Partnership to Build Air Taxi Infrastructure
A new strategic alliance has been formed to lay the groundwork for the future of urban transportation. Vertiports by Atlantic, the specialized subsidiary of fixed-base operator (FBO) group Atlantic Aviation, announced on Monday that it has chosen Cushman & Wakefield to spearhead its real estate development efforts.
The primary goal of this partnership is to create a network of vertiports, which are specialized landing and takeoff facilities designed for eVTOL aircraft. These electric-powered vehicles are often referred to as air taxis and are expected to play a significant role in reducing urban congestion and travel times.
This collaboration combines Atlantic Aviation's extensive experience in aviation services with Cushman & Wakefield's global expertise in commercial real estate. Together, they will identify suitable properties, navigate zoning and development processes, and establish the physical infrastructure needed to support a new generation of air travel.
What Are eVTOLs and Vertiports?
An eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft is a type of vehicle that uses electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically. This capability allows them to operate in dense urban environments without needing traditional runways. A vertiport is the ground infrastructure, similar to a heliport, that supports eVTOL operations, including passenger loading, charging, and maintenance.
Targeting Major Metropolitan Hubs
The initiative will initially concentrate on some of the most congested urban regions in the United States. According to the announcement, the partners are prioritizing opportunities in several key markets.
These early-focus areas include:
- California: Los Angeles and San Francisco
- New York: New York City and Long Island
- New Jersey: Newark
- Florida: Broward and Miami-Dade counties
The strategy involves finding and repurposing vacant or underutilized land to establish these new transportation hubs. By focusing on these densely populated areas, the companies aim to address significant mobility challenges and offer a viable alternative to ground transportation.
The Real Estate Team
Leading the effort from Cushman & Wakefield will be a dedicated team of commercial real estate professionals. The group includes Mike Condon Jr., Kent Hindes, and Kylie Rawn, who will leverage the firm's extensive market data and local expertise to identify optimal locations for the vertiports.
Global Real Estate Powerhouse
Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global commercial real estate services firm, operating approximately 400 offices across 60 countries. This extensive network provides significant resources for a project of this scale.
A Vision for Sustainable Urban Connectivity
The partnership is driven by a long-term vision to reshape how people move within and between major cities. Leaders from both companies emphasized the project's potential to create a more sustainable and efficient transportation ecosystem.
“Our vision is to reimagine urban connectivity by creating the infrastructure to support passenger eVTOL operations,” said Kevin Cox, CEO of Vertiports by Atlantic. “This initiative represents not only a key investment in sustainable transportation but also an opportunity to provide faster, cleaner, and more efficient mobility options in some of the country’s busiest cities.”
This statement highlights the dual benefits of the project: investing in environmentally friendly technology while simultaneously addressing the practical need for faster travel in congested urban centers. The use of electric aircraft is central to the project's goal of offering a "cleaner" mode of transport.
Timeline and Industry Impact
The project is moving forward with a clear sense of urgency. Vertiports by Atlantic, which leverages the experience of its parent company's 105 FBO locations in North America, stated that it hopes to begin securing the first development sites by the end of this year.
This ambitious timeline reflects the growing momentum within the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry. As numerous companies race to develop and certify their eVTOL aircraft, the availability of ground infrastructure has become a critical factor for successful deployment.
By proactively developing a network of vertiports, Vertiports by Atlantic and Cushman & Wakefield are positioning themselves as key enablers of the emerging air taxi market. Their work could provide a foundational network for air taxi operators looking to launch commercial services in the coming years, potentially accelerating the adoption of this futuristic mode of travel.
