In March 2024, Urban-Air Port (UAP) and LG announced a strategic collaboration to power up a new generation of vertiports – an alliance that signalled the global electronics giant’s move into the advanced mobility field. Together, they now present their fully digitally integrated next-generation vertiport. According to the companies, it is the world’s most advanced solution – the first to incorporate AI-enabled systems – and merges cutting-edge technology with customer-centric designs to define the future of air travel.
LG and UAP are developing modular stations that integrate an ecosystem of advanced digital solutions, including adaptive LED signage and transparent OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays, interactive kiosks and comprehensive digital management and control systems.
From optimised processes to immersive art installations and seamless digital interfaces, the UAP and LG modular system brings a smarter, more engaging and personalised travel experience, the partners said. The design includes features such as biometric check-in, interactive lounges, EV-charging hubs and retail stands with dynamic LED walls that change content based on occupancy, improving economic and spatial efficiency.
Commercial benefits
Recognising that market viability is the cornerstone of any transport infrastructure, AirOne is commercially ready. Its fully integrated architecture and modular system are designed to support early entry into service capacities, while also future-proofing demand for more VTOLs and increased throughput as the industry matures. It is viable, affordable, scalable and the most efficient way to launch an electric and/or hybrid VTOL service, UAP said.
According to the partners, the Urban-Air Port Vertical Airfield robotics system provides operators with a highly sophisticated infrastructure stack within an 80% smaller footprint, at 50% less cost to install and profitable operations with pay-back times vastly faster than any competing system. With in-built LG technologies, operators are easily able to realise non-aeronautical revenues on the Urban-Air Port’s very small footprint.
“Our unique technology, anchored by our robotic Vertical Airfield and stacked hangar system, enables us to design, build and operate our vertiports at a much lower capex than a traditional ground-based, space-hungry horizontal vertiport. Our Vertical Airfield technology allows us to secure sites up to 80% smaller, dramatically cutting costs, but also enhancing the passenger throughput, experience and safety,” said Andrea Wu, CEO of Urban-Air Port.
“With built-in systems, we can reduce the effects of eVTOL downwash and outwash. This means we can install our vertiports across our networks in urban locations safely. With LG, we are proud to lead the Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure sector into the AI and robotics era. We have always led the field in innovation – this is no different.”
Non-aeronautical revenue in this market will be just as important to overall revenue as it is in conventional airports, helping to counter operational costs and facilitate affordable eVTOL travel for all. Accordingly, UAP has developed the beginnings of a commercial ecosystem under the banner of Urban-Air Choice, controlled via an app. By partnering with some of the world’s biggest brands and utilising LG’s advanced digital solutions, it will serve the aspirations of a new generation of travellers with a more connected, intuitive, seamless and environmentally responsible experience, especially when it comes to retail and hospitality.
“Our partners at LG are aligned with our vision: to give customers the control and flexibility they expect when they engage with our retail partners and services. By harnessing the functionality of the innovative digital solutions of LG, we can go way beyond traditional, cumbersome commercial offers, leveraging the full potential of non-aeronautical revenue opportunities that can exist within our infrastructure. Urban-Air Choice will be able to complement the physical offer with digital solutions,” said Keith Hunter, chief retail officer of Urban-Air Port.
The collaboration will leverage innovative data-driven management systems, including LG CLOi robots to enhance operational efficiency, LG Business Cloud Solutions for remote management of digital signage, LG’s advanced energy storage solutions for reliable and efficient UAM operations, and control room innovations ranging from comprehensive monitoring and data collection for improved flight bookings to smart building management.
