Urban-Air Port and sustainable infrastructure company, BAI Energy (BAI) will work together on an innovative strategic vision to rejuvenate and modernise aviation infrastructure in Italy, initially by redeveloping a trio of disused aerodromes to support the rollout of next-generation vertiports.
Starting in Northern Italy, the Phase 1 first three locations under negotiations are in Venice, Piedmont and Trieste.
This collaboration will give BAI access to Urban-Air Port (UAP) technology and services, including design, planning, and infrastructure-supply. It will also enable the firm to leverage UAP’s proprietary solutions to equip aerodromes with state-of-the-art facilities and systems. The venture will benefit from strategic guidance from UAP's team to navigate the complexities of integrating advanced air mobility infrastructure into these locations, and develop robust operational and financial plans by utilising UAP’s proprietary, business modelling tools to enhance efficiency and support investment and growth.
Supported by Invest Italia and the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, BAI and UAP are already working to identify further complementary sites for Phase 2 that will form the basis of a fully connected network supporting passenger and cargo flights. BAI and UAP are currently in discussions with a number of preferred eVTOL manufacturers and operators.
“We’re delighted that BAI Energy has chosen us to join it on this ground breaking and realistic approach to integrating advanced air mobility into this stunning region. Our modular vertiports are unrivalled and designed to integrate seamlessly into a variety of natural and built environments – that’s been our approach from the very beginning – a solution that is designed to fit in, and we can’t wait to get started in Italy,” said Andrea Wu, CEO of Urban-Air Port
Under the agreement, BAI has granted UAP the first right of refusal on any vertiport development and plans to work exclusively with the firm on these projects.
The collaboration between BAI and UAP is expected to set a new benchmark in urban air mobility and infrastructure development, starting in Northern Italy and then expanding to other regions. UAP’s first overseas office in the EU is currently supporting BAI in the ongoing discussions with local governments across the launch regions of Venice, Piedmont and Trieste.
