Italian vertiport operator UrbanV and Saudi airport management firm Cluster2 have announced a collaboration to develop a network of vertiports across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The partnership focuses on implementing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) systems to provide efficient and eco-friendly air transport solutions within Saudi Arabia’s growing aviation landscape.
UrbanV’s CEO, Carlo Tursi, emphasised the importance of establishing dedicated infrastructure to ensure successful AAM deployment. “In the initial stages of passenger Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations, the establishment of a dedicated infrastructure – specifically, vertiports – is crucial. UrbanV focuses on the design, development, and management of vertiports, which are central to the success of AAM,” Tursi explained.
To achieve this, UrbanV and Cluster2 are coordinating with Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to ensure all developments meet local regulatory and environmental standards.
A core challenge for this initiative lies in adapting vertiport designs to Saudi Arabia’s unique climate and terrain. From deserts to mountainous regions, each site will need to integrate with existing infrastructure and can handle extreme weather conditions. “The accessibility of these sites and the connection to electrical infrastructure will be vital factors in ensuring the efficient operation of AAM,” said Tursi.
UrbanV envisions a flexible approach to vertiport designs. Some vertiports may be designed with multiple takeoff and landing pads and ample parking bays, while others could function as compact, single-platform stations.
New pilot programmes introducing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) services for medical emergencies, VIP transport and cargo logistics will soon be launched. These initiatives will act as proof-of-concept models to assess AAM’s operational feasibility in the region, testing real-world applications while aligning with Vision 2030’s sustainability objectives.
