Skyports Infrastructure, SEA Milan, the owner of Milan’s airports, and 2i Aeroporti, an Italian airport infrastructure investment company controlled by F2i infrastructure funds, have formed VEGA, a joint venture company established to advance the AAM ecosystem across Milan and the wider Lombardy region.

VEGA, or Vertical Gateway, focuses on the deployment of critical vertiport infrastructure networks throughout Lombardy, paving the way for the introduction of air taxi services. By integrating sustainable electric vertical aviation solutions, VEGA aims to transform regional mobility, facilitating efficient, zero-emission transportation of both people and goods.

VEGA draws on the specialised expertise of each JV partner. Skyports will contribute its knowledge in developing, constructing and operating vertiport infrastructure; SEA Milan will bring over 70 years of experience in managing and operating Milan Linate and Milan Malpensa, two of Italy's busiest airports; and 2i Aeroporti will leverage its strong relationships with Italian institutions and its large national airport platform to nurture VEGA’s growth.

The first objective is to launch operations between Malpensa airport and central Milan. The JV will then focus on scaling operations to other parts of Lombardy and potentially other Italian regions.

The board of directors is led by Alessandro Fidato of SEA, who serves as chairman, alongside Paolomaria Capello, VEGA’s CEO. The board also includes Damian Kysely of Skyports, Laura Pascotto of F2i and Chiara Dorigotti of SEA Milan’s business aviation infrastructure subsidiary SEA Prime as directors, bringing together a diverse and experienced leadership team with strong backgrounds in aviation infrastructure development and operations.

Paolomaria Capello, chief executive officer of VEGA, says: “This joint venture brings together key aviation stakeholders to transform transportation at the heart of Italy’s business and industrial capital. With VEGA, we are delivering cutting-edge electric vertical aviation technology, creating faster, cleaner connections between urban centres, airports and other important hubs of economic activity and tourism. With such strong partners involved in these efforts, we are in the best possible position to achieve Italy’s AAM ambitions.”

Damian Kysely, director, VEGA and head of EMEA at Skyports Infrastructure, notes: “The formation of VEGA is a significant milestone in Skyports’ mission to bring air taxi operations to northern Italy. This joint venture underscores our commitment to building the infrastructure needed to make advanced air mobility a reality for Milan and Lombardy. With VEGA, we’re not only developing efficient, low emission transport solutions for passengers and cargo, but also positioning the region as a leader in Europe’s AAM future.”

Laura Pascotto, partner F2i, adds: “F2i, through 2i Aeroporti, controls the largest airport network in Italy, with over 63 million passengers every year. This result has been built over the years through several acquisitions and relevant investments, and today is the ideal platform for the development of vertical mobility infrastructures. As shareholders of SEA and Skyports, we are thrilled to bring Vega to life and participate directly in its development.”