Skyports Infrastructure has signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Gold Coast to support the rollout of advanced air mobility infrastructure across the Australian city.

The agreement sees Skyports work with the council on planning a future vertiport network, including identifying sites, navigating regulatory pathways and engaging with landowners as preparations continue for future electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft operations.

The collaboration builds on an earlier agreement between Skyports, Alt Air and Eve Air Mobility focused on preparing for eVTOL services across New South Wales and Queensland, with the City of Gold Coast now joining the programme as a government partner. That earlier partnership outlined plans for up to 100 eVTOL aircraft across the two states, with initial passenger services targeted before the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Skyports says the Gold Coast presents strong potential for advanced air mobility because of its tourism economy, population growth and plans tied to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company estimates a future flight between Gold Coast Airport and Broadbeach could cut a 45-minute road journey to around five to seven minutes.

Discussions are already under way with potential partners including Gold Coast Airport and other sites across the region as Skyports explores locations for a future network.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says: “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.”

Skyports is also developing vertiport networks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and South Korea, while operating Downtown Skyport in New York City.