As AAM sector develops
International air transport IT provider SITA has entered a strategic partnership with Urban-Air Port Ltd (UAP) to jointly develop a fully integrated vertiport solution, designed to support the next generation of electric air travel in cities worldwide.
The collaboration comes as air travel in urban centres is on the verge of a significant evolution, driven by rising passenger demand and the global push for sustainable transport, as cities around the world face growing pressure to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce emissions, and improve transportation infrastructure, all of which is driving the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
The partnership aims to marry SITA’s extensive expertise in aviation technology with Urban-Air Port’s modular vertiport infrastructure to deliver a seamless, efficient, and sustainable passenger experience. The collaboration comes
At the heart of the project is the development of a next-generation vertiport system tailored for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These futuristic vehicles are expected to revolutionise regional mobility by cutting carbon emissions, shortening travel times, and easing pressure on ground-based transport networks.
SITA will provide the digital backbone for what is being dubbed the world’s first Software-Defined Vertiport. Its technology stack will enable the full-scale integration of flight operations, passenger movement, air-to-ground communications, and real-time data sharing, which is critical for operating eVTOLs in busy city environments.
UAP, best known for its patented, ultra-compact “Vertical Airfield” design, will contribute physical infrastructure that is 80% smaller than traditional airfields. The modular architecture enables rapid deployment and seamless integration with existing city transport systems. Designed for both civilian and defence applications, the vertical airfields are capable of supporting quiet, safe hybrid VTOL operations with minimal land footprint.
The companies will jointly unveil their co-developed “AirOne” vertiport model, building on the success of UAP’s prototype deployed in Coventry, United Kingdom, in 2022. The AirOne vertiport is engineered to serve as a multi-functional, scalable hub for passenger and cargo movement, equipped with integrated energy storage and a digital-first passenger experience.
“This is not just about new infrastructure,” said Andrea Wu, CEO of Urban-Air Port. “It’s about delivering a fully connected experience for passengers, eVTOL operators and transport providers. By uniting our innovative vertiport hardware with SITA’s proven aviation platforms, we’re laying the real foundation for safe, scalable air mobility with global reach.”
Central to the venture is a new cloud-based Vertiport Management System (VMS), which will oversee every aspect of vertiport operations. This includes aircraft scheduling, passenger flow, resource allocation, security, and weather monitoring. Automation, AI, and scalable digital tools are being embedded in the platform to support high-volume operations in densely populated areas.
The software-defined approach enables remote control, predictive maintenance, and real-time performance analytics—capabilities essential for the rapid rollout of AAM networks in global urban centres. The VMS is expected to become the control centre for future eVTOL networks, enabling integrated planning and ensuring operational resilience across multiple locations.
According to Benoit Verbaere, Director of Business Development for Travel and Transport at SITA, “Urban air mobility holds vast potential to shape the future of travel, but it must scale rapidly, safely and intelligently. We’re leveraging decades of aviation expertise to build the digital backbone of the AAM ecosystem, seamlessly integrating eVTOLs into tomorrow’s intermodal transport networks.”
The collaboration is also expected to facilitate easier market penetration for AAM solutions. Urban-Air Port’s patented compact systems, when combined with SITA’s global aviation platforms, will enable the rapid implementation of multi-modal networks in cities across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The companies see strong potential for deployment in high-growth regions, such as the Middle East and Africa, where urban populations are increasing rapidly and demand for efficient intercity transportation is rising. Vertiports could serve as key hubs in future smart cities, complementing existing air and rail networks and providing last-mile connectivity.
The integration of SITA’s data platforms ensures regulatory compliance, safety, and operational efficiency, while UAP’s flexible infrastructure allows each city to customise vertiport layouts according to local needs. This includes urban rooftops, coastal ports, suburban zones, or even temporary installations during large-scale events or emergencies.
Image: AAM is on the rise globally, which taps into the new SITA-UAP partnership. Seen here is Archer Aviation’s eVTOL aircraft on display at the Make It In The Emirates trade exhibition, held in Abu Dhabi from May 19-22, 2025. Credit: Arnold Pinto
