Ferrovial Airports has appointed Kevin Cox chief executive officer of its vertiports business. With more than 30 years’ experience in the aviation sector, Cox will focus on the development of vertiport networks for the take off, landing, operation and maintenance of passenger services of electric jet aircraft.

Cox has served in executive leadership positions at DFW International airport in Texas, American Airlines and the Signature Aviation FBO network. He received his BA in accounting from Oklahoma State University and is Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University.

Ferrovial Airports CEO Luke Bugeja says: “Kevin brings a wealth of experience and in depth knowledge of one of the most competitive aviation markets. He will be instrumental in our ambitions to be a leader in providing high speed, affordable, emissions free travel to millions of people now and in the future. I am delighted to have him in the team.”

Cox adds: “The ability to quickly and seamlessly travel to and from a Ferrovial vertiport in an electric aircraft will forever change urban transportation, and the Ferrovial team is on the forefront of this transformation.”

Vertiports are intermodal centres integrated into cities and adapted to the surrounding environments. They reduce noise impact, allow zero operating emissions and improve energy efficiency through innovative design. Ferrovial has already committed to develop a network of more than 10 in the state of Florida in the US, and aspires to facilitate the implementation of a more sustainable and efficient mode of transportation in other states and in other markets. The company is collaborating with Germany-based developer Lilium in designing and constructing the vertiport facilities, as well as in their operation and maintenance.