Ferrovial, through its airports division, has partnered with UK real estate developer Milligan to identify and develop sites to launch urban air mobility operations in the UK. The collaboration will advance the company's plan to design, build and operate vertiports in this strategic market.

Through this collaboration, the partners will identify demand-rich locations, select potential sites and carry out assessment criteria to determine the viability of each site for eVTOL operations. They will work along with AECOM and Lichfields, which are acting as planning advisors.

The partnership was announced at a special event hosted by UKREiiF, the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, in Leeds in May, where Ferrovial Vertiports managing director for the UK and EMEA, Brad Miller, and Milligan's executive chairman, John Milligan, introduced their joint approach to engaging communities and core stakeholders in the future of air mobility. The agreement will advance connectivity for towns and cities across the UK.

“Freedom of movement is critical to global economic and social advancement. With a 70 year history of developing transportation infrastructure that helps communities flourish and grow, Ferrovial is proud to play a leading role in transforming the future of urban air mobility,” says Miller.

Vertiports will play a critical role in enabling urban air mobility (UAM) operations in this breakthrough technology, offering sustainable, convenient air connections and transforming how people move to, through and between cities.

“UKREiiF has been the perfect opportunity to unveil the details of our partnership and plans going forward. With an audience of local authorities, central government, developers and landowners, we are looking into the locations of the UK's first vertiports,” adds Stuart Harris, CEO of Milligan.

The representatives from Ferrovial and Milligan were joined by Dominic Jackson, market development manager at Vertical Aerospace, a manufacturer of eVTOLs and one of Ferrovial Vertiport's key partners.

Imperatives for the locations being sought are that they are compatible with airspace requirements, are at least 4,000 sqm in size with connectivity to utilities and avoid residential or noise-sensitive areas. Sites can be located on the ground and on top of existing buildings, such as rooftops or carparks, with design and fit-out costs covered.

Milligan and Ferrovial are now in active discussions with local authorities, landowners and asset owners in strategic UK locations that align with Ferrovial Vertiports' demand model.