Microflite has called time on its long-term future running helicopters for tourism use cases, choosing instead to focus on advanced air mobility (AAM), starting with its existing heliport on the Yarra River.
Rodney Higgins, Microflite chief operating officer, has plans to replace his fleet of tourism helicopters with clean, green and quiet electric air taxis.
“We have been following closely the development of numerous electric air taxi prototypes in recent years and it appears clear that the frontrunners will be available for commercial operations soon,” he said.
“The aviation industry needs to do its bit for the environment and electric aviation will have a place very soon for short range operations. In addition to decarbonising aviation, we expect these aircraft will be much quieter, safer and affordable,” Higgins concluded.
Melbourne based vertiport developer Skyportz has worked with Contreras Earl Architecture and Pascall+Watson to develop a vertiport concept at Batman Park on the Yarra River to replace the helipad.
This plan would see the site become a multi-modal hub for electric transport, including ferries and hire boats. A cafe would provide an area for people to view the action.
All three leading candidates for Lord Mayor are positive about the concept. Elections will be held this month.
“We want to work with Microflite, [Australian air safety regulator] CASA, the State Government and the new Lord Mayor to create one of the first purpose-built vertiports in the world,” said Skyportz CEO Clem Newton-Brown. He sees the Yarra River vertiport as the first in a network of future landing sites.
Newton-Brown has identified Fishermans Bend or the Port for a larger vertiport base where aircraft will be charged, maintained and hangered. In addition to the existing Batman Park helipad site, Southern Cross Station and the sports precinct have been identified as potential vertistop locations for setting down and picking up passengers, subject to approvals by State and local governments.
“The key to this industry is breaking the nexus between aviation and existing airports. We need to develop a network of new vertiport sites if the industry is to reach its potential,” said Newton-Brown.
