Vertiports By Atlantic, a company focused on infrastructure for the next generation of air travel, has selected global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield as its preferred advisor. The partnership will focus on identifying and developing sites for a future network of vertiports designed to support electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
This collaboration marks a significant step in building the ground infrastructure necessary for the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) industry. Florida is identified as one of the initial markets for this planned network.
Key Takeaways
- Vertiports By Atlantic has partnered with Cushman & Wakefield for vertiport site selection and development.
- Cushman & Wakefield will provide expertise in commercial real estate to identify suitable locations for the eVTOL network.
- The partnership aims to build the ground infrastructure required for advanced air mobility (AAM) services.
- Florida is highlighted as a key early market for the development of this new transportation network.
A Strategic Partnership for Future Aviation
The agreement between Vertiports By Atlantic and Cushman & Wakefield brings together aviation infrastructure planning and commercial real estate expertise. Formed earlier this year, Vertiports By Atlantic is a new venture dedicated to creating the landing and takeoff hubs for eVTOLs, which are often described as electric air taxis.
Cushman & Wakefield's role will be to leverage its extensive knowledge of property markets to find optimal locations. This process involves more than just finding available land; it requires analyzing zoning laws, community impact, accessibility, and proximity to power infrastructure and transportation links.
Defining Roles in the Collaboration
Under the terms of the agreement, Cushman & Wakefield will act as the exclusive real estate advisor. Their responsibilities include:
- Site Identification: Pinpointing locations that meet the complex operational and logistical needs of a vertiport.
- Market Analysis: Evaluating the economic viability of potential sites and forecasting demand for AAM services in specific urban areas.
- Development Advisory: Providing guidance on land acquisition, permitting, and construction processes to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
This partnership aims to streamline the development process, which is critical for an industry that needs to build an entirely new type of infrastructure from the ground up. Vertiports By Atlantic provides the aviation and AAM-specific knowledge, while Cushman & Wakefield brings the essential real estate and development capabilities.
What is Advanced Air Mobility?
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) refers to a new concept of air transportation that uses innovative aircraft, like eVTOLs, to move people and cargo within and between urban and regional areas. The goal is to create a safe, efficient, and sustainable mode of transport that can alleviate ground traffic congestion.
The Importance of Ground Infrastructure for eVTOLs
While much of the focus in the AAM sector has been on the development of the eVTOL aircraft themselves, the ground infrastructure is equally crucial. Without a network of safe, reliable, and conveniently located vertiports, these electric aircraft cannot operate commercially.
A vertiport is more than just a landing pad. A fully functional facility will require charging stations, passenger waiting areas, security screening, and maintenance capabilities. The site selection process is therefore a complex puzzle involving logistics, engineering, and urban planning.
Challenges in Vertiport Development
Building a network of vertiports presents several unique challenges that the partnership will need to address. These include:
- Regulatory Hurdles: Zoning laws in most cities were not written with vertiports in mind. Securing the necessary permits will require working closely with local and federal authorities.
- Public Acceptance: Gaining community support is essential. Developers must address concerns about noise, safety, and visual impact on neighborhoods.
- Power Grid Demands: A fleet of eVTOLs will require significant amounts of electricity for rapid charging. Vertiport sites must have access to a robust power grid, or new infrastructure will need to be built.
- Integration with Existing Transport: To be successful, vertiports must be seamlessly integrated with other forms of transportation, such as subways, bus lines, and ride-sharing services.
Cushman & Wakefield's experience in navigating these types of development complexities in dense urban environments is a key reason for its selection by Vertiports By Atlantic.
A Growing Market
According to market research firm Allied Market Research, the global urban air mobility market was valued at $2.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $30.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.9%.
Florida: An Ideal Proving Ground for AAM
The selection of Florida as an early market for the vertiport network is a strategic decision. The state has several characteristics that make it an attractive location for launching AAM services. Its flat terrain, favorable weather conditions, and sprawling metropolitan areas present both a need and an opportunity for a new mode of transportation.
Several major cities in Florida, such as Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, suffer from significant traffic congestion. AAM promises to offer a faster alternative for travel between city centers, airports, and surrounding suburbs.
State Support and Industry Activity
Florida's government and economic development agencies have shown strong interest in attracting the AAM industry. This proactive stance helps create a more favorable regulatory environment for companies like Vertiports By Atlantic. The state is already a hub for aviation and aerospace, providing a skilled workforce and an existing ecosystem of suppliers and partners.
Other AAM companies have also announced plans for Florida. For example, German eVTOL manufacturer Lilium has plans to build a vertiport network in the state, and Archer Aviation has also identified Miami as a key launch market. This concentration of activity reinforces Florida's position as a leader in this emerging sector.
"The development of the necessary infrastructure is a critical step in making advanced air mobility a reality," noted a recent report from the Aviation Week Network. "Partnerships between AAM specialists and established real estate firms are essential to overcome the significant logistical challenges involved."
Looking Ahead at the Future of Urban Travel
The collaboration between Vertiports By Atlantic and Cushman & Wakefield is a foundational move toward building a commercially viable AAM network. While the first commercial eVTOL flights are still several years away, pending aircraft certification and regulatory approvals, building the infrastructure must begin now.
The success of this partnership in Florida could serve as a blueprint for developing vertiport networks in other cities across the United States and globally. Identifying the right locations is the first step in a long process that will eventually redefine urban transportation.
As the industry moves from aircraft design to operational reality, the focus will increasingly shift to the practicalities of ground infrastructure. This makes the expertise of firms like Cushman & Wakefield not just valuable, but essential for the future of flight.
