At the 2024 Farnborough International Air Show, Urban Air Port (UAP) will unveil its industry-leading, next-generation vertical take-off and landing site (AirOne), which combines UAP’s advanced robotic system with AI-powered technology from LG Electronics.
In March 2024, UAP and LG announced a strategic partnership to power a new generation of vertical takeoff and landing fields, an alliance that marks the global electronics giant’s expansion into the advanced mobility sector. Together, the two companies will unveil a fully digitally integrated, next-generation vertical takeoff and landing field — the most advanced solution in the world and the first to incorporate AI-enabled systems — that blends cutting-edge technology with customer-centric design to define the future of air travel.
LG and UAP are working to develop a modular station that will integrate an ecosystem of advanced digital solutions, including adaptive LED signage, transparent OLED displays, interactive kiosks and a comprehensive digital management and control system.
From optimized processes to immersive art installations and seamless digital interfaces, UAP and LG’s modular system enables smarter, more engaging and personalized travel experiences. 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 economy and space efficiency.
Commercially Viable – The world’s most advanced vertical take-off and landing field infrastructure stack.
Recognizing that market feasibility is the foundation of any transportation infrastructure, AirOne is ready for commercialization. Its fully integrated architecture and modular system is designed to support early entry into service capacity while also addressing future demand for more VTOLs and increased throughput as the industry matures. It is feasible, affordable, scalable and the most efficient way to launch electric and/or hybrid VTOL service.
The Urban-Air Port Vertical Airfield Robotic System delivers the highest levels of operational efficiency and capacity, providing operators with a highly sophisticated infrastructure stack in an 80% smaller footprint, reducing deployment costs by 50% and enabling profitable operations with a much shorter payback period than competing systems. With built-in LG technology, operators can easily realize non-aeronautical revenues in Urban-Air Port’s extremely small footprint.
“Our proprietary technology, based on a robotic vertical airfield and stacked hangar system, enables us to design, build and operate vertical airfields with a much lower capital investment than traditional ground-based, space-intensive horizontal vertical airfields. Our vertical airfield technology allows for up to 80% smaller footprints, resulting in significant cost savings while also improving passenger throughput, experience and safety.”
“The embedded system helps mitigate the effects of downwash and outwash for eVTOLs, meaning vertical takeoff and landing sites can be safely deployed across urban networks. Together with LG, we are proud to lead the advanced aviation mobility infrastructure sector into the age of AI and robotics. We have always led the way in innovation and this time is no exception,” said Andrea Wu, CEO of Urban Airport.
An exterior view of Urban-Air Port’s next-generation AI-enabled vertical takeoff and landing site. Image by Urban-Air Ports
Leverage technology to increase revenue.
“Non-aeronautical revenues in this market are as important to overall revenues as traditional airports, helping to counter operational costs and making eVTOL travel affordable and accessible to all. Thus, UAP has developed the beginnings of a commercial ecosystem under the banner of app-controlled Urban-Air Choice. By partnering with some of the world’s biggest brands and leveraging LG’s advanced digital solutions, we will meet the aspirations of a new generation of travellers with a more connected, intuitive, seamless and environmentally conscious experience, especially when it comes to retail and hospitality.”
Urban-Air Choice’s digital efficiency allows commercial offers and services to evolve in line with passenger needs, avoiding the inconvenience of physical and operational limitations currently experienced in other sectors.
“LG’s partners share our vision – to provide our customers with the control and flexibility they expect when engaging with our retail partners and services. By leveraging the capabilities of LG’s innovative digital solutions, we can go far beyond traditional, cumbersome commercial offers and maximise the potential of non-aeronautical revenue opportunities that may exist within our infrastructure. Urban-Air Choice allows us to complement our physical offer with digital solutions,” said Keith Hunter, Chief Retail Officer at Urban-Air Port.
The collaboration will leverage innovative data-driven management systems such as the LG CLOi robot for increased 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 a range of control room innovations from comprehensive monitoring and data collection for improved flight bookings to smart building management.
“This next-generation vertical take-off and landing field design showcases the latest technological advancements to create a complete system that is modular and scalable, delivering an unparalleled experience for passengers and operators. Our AI-powered technology will help convert visitor numbers into revenue and ensure maximum efficiency in operations. We have optimized every modular element to combine cutting-edge technology while maintaining a very human interactivity and emotional pulse,” said Seamus Walsh, enterprise manager, Energy, Industry and Mobility at LG.
“Charging infrastructure solutions will be one of the most critical aspects as future eVTOL operations will require multi-megawatt fast-charging capabilities to meet industry expectations for aircraft turnaround times. By partnering, UAP and LG will combine their strengths as global leaders to deliver best-in-class solutions to these operational challenges. The combination of LG’s cutting-edge operational systems and UAP’s patented AirOne solution will be transformative for the AAM industry,” said Lawrence Blakely, non-executive advisor at Urban Airport.
“Today we become the world’s first AI and robotics vertical take-off and landing company. This combination of design, technology and user experience is unmatched and sets a new global standard for advanced air mobility eVTOL and vertical take-off and landing field operators. We are providing a new gold standard by providing a feasible, affordable and truly sustainable solution for the industry to fly profitably,” said Ricky Sandhu, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Urban Airport.
This press release was produced and distributed by Urban-Air Port.
