Skyports Partners With Gold Coast To Develop Advanced Air Mobility And Vertiport Network

(MENAFN- Robotics & Automation News) Skyports Infrastructure, a vertiport development and operations company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Gold Coast, Australia to collaborate on implementing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) within the city.

The MoU was signed between Yun Yuan Tay, head of APAC, Skyports, and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, at the City of Gold Coast Chambers.

As a part of the agreement, Skyports will lead the development of the vertiport network and the supporting vertiport infrastructure, including navigating the regulatory framework, supporting the planning pathways, scoping potential vertiport sites and engaging with land owners. In time, Skyports plans to operate the network.

The collaboration builds on a previous MoU signed in March 2026 with Alt Air and EVE Air Mobility, outlining a plan to prepare for eVTOL operations across both New South Wales and Queensland. This new MoU brings on a government partner to help drive the programme.

The potential use cases and benefits for AAM on the Gold Coast are strong. The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, powered by a strong tourism economy and a commitment to innovative urban development.

As part of its Legacy 2030 vision and in preparation for increased visitation leading up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, AAM fits well within the City’s strategy of implementing future-focused mobility solutions that will enhance connectivity and elevate the visitor experience.

Following initial discussions, Skyports has worked with local landlord partners to explore potential locations in a future network. To date, there is ongoing positive discussion with Gold Coast Airport, amongst other high value locations in the region.

With increasing congestion, expanding tourism flows, AAM presents a compelling opportunity to deliver faster, more sustainable, and premium mobility across the coast. Through the planned network, a 45 minute drive between Gold Coast Airport and Broadbeach can be reduced to a 5-7 minute flight.

Skyports is the global leader in vertiport infrastructure development globally. Its Dubai Vertiport Network is planning commercial eVTOL operations before the end of 2026, and it is constructing a parallel network in Abu Dhabi.

It also operates the world’s busiest commercial heliport in New York City, Downtown Skyport, which it is transitioning to AAM, and is developing Korea’s first vertiport network in Jeju Island, which will see commercial operations in 2028.

Tom Tate, Mayor of the City of the Gold Coast, said:“We want the Gold Coast to be at the cutting edge of technology, and my discussions about transport opportunities with Skyports on my previous trips to Singapore and Dubai are now coming into fruition.

“Having seen the Skyports operations in Dubai firsthand, I can tell you that air taxis are the future of transport. It’s no longer science fiction, it is reality and I want the Gold Coast to be at the forefront of this transport revolution.

“I would like to see the Skyports landing pads built as soon as possible so we can have everything ready for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. Partnering with global leaders like Skyports will ensure that our Olympic legacy isn’t just stadiums and sporting fields, but also transport improvements for the future.”

Yun Yuan Tay, head of APAC, Skyports Infrastructure, said:“This collaboration reflects a shared ambition to deliver innovative, future-ready transport for one of Australia’s most dynamic regions.

“By combining Skyports’ global expertise in vertiport development with the City’s forward-thinking vision, we are laying the groundwork for a connected, efficient and sustainable mobility network that will enhance accessibility for residents and visitors alike.”

Amelia Evans, CEO, Queensland Airports Limited, said:“We’re keen to explore partnerships that enhance how people move through and around our region.

“Discussions with Skyports Infrastructure around Advanced Air mobility naturally aligns with our 2024 Gold Coast Airport Master Plan vision – one centred on sustainability, innovation and seamless connectivity for our passengers and wider community.”

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