The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a consultation on design proposals for vertiports at existing aerodromes, paving the way for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations.
The UK believes its network of airfields across the country forms the perfect infrastructure to create a network of vertiport hubs where eVTOL aircraft takeoff and land from.
The new consultation from the CAA looks to ensure that the future operations in the UK are safe, efficient, equitable and secure.
According to the CAA, it has been engaged with key stakeholders including vertiport developers, existing aerodromes, and potential operators.
“We are a committed partner to the Government’s Future of Flight Program and enabling the introduction of innovative infrastructure is one of our key strategic objectives. This consultation is a big step towards enabling this new and innovative way of travelling to become part of our everyday life,” Sophie O’Sullivan, Head of Future Safety and Innovation, said.
O’Sullivan added: “UK aerodromes are vital in unlocking the future of aviation operations. By leveraging existing regulation, we’re enabling future operators and aerodromes to develop their understanding and operational expertise, at the same time as growing our collective knowledge of the technology and operational scenarios to support this infrastructure.”
The CAA hopes that vertiports based at existing aerodromes will give eVTOL aircraft somewhere to operate from whilst the aviation industry becomes more familiar with their design, operations and performance.