Munich Airport International GmbH (MAI) and Urban-Air Port (UAP), will collaborate in developing eVTOL ground infrastructure and airport operations that facilitate the vertical take-off and landing of electric air taxis expected to be operational by the middle of the decade. Coupling MAI's airport knowledge and operational experience with UAP's ground infrastructure technology and solutions, the partners will provide a roadmap for efficient and sustainable flight operations.

Urban-Air Port is currently deploying its “Air One” programme – a fully operational and integrated airport for drones and eVTOL that interlinks air mobility with ground transportation in a multimodal hub. Air One will be located in a downtown setting and first be presented to the industry and the general public in Coventry, United Kingdom in Spring 2022. The goal is to demonstrate an ultra-compact, rapidly deployable, multi-functional operations hub for manned and unmanned vehicles providing aircraft command and control, charging and refueling, cargo and passenger loading and other associated services.

The collaboration will see MAI bring both its aviation and non-aviation expertise to the planning, development and operation of Air One, creating critical synergies for the successful introduction and operation of urban-air ports.

Besides the “Air One” programme, both parties will collaborate on longer term projects and opportunities, with an initial focus on use cases and markets which are expected to emerge in the next couple of years.