British vertiport developer secures Hyundai-backed investment
London based start-up Urban-Air Port (UAP) has secured investment from eVTOL developer Supernal, previously the Urban Air Mobility Division of Hyundai Motor Group. UAP is leading the development of the world’s first fully operational hub for eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take Off Landing) aircraft, Air-One, which will open for “public visitation” in Coventry in April.
UAP’s vertiport sites will provide the infrastructure needed to enable mass adoption of eVTOLs – such as cargo drones and air taxis – potentially transforming the way goods and people are transported around urban areas.
Supernal’s investment will help support the development of UAP’s various vertiport concepts including the CityBox delivery drone hub (pictured), and expansion into new markets.
UAP plans to develop 200 vertiport sites across the world in the next five years. Supernal plans to launch its first commercial flights in 2028.
UAP says the investment is the first time a major eVTOL company has invested in a ground infrastructure developer. Ricky Sandhu, Founder and Executive Chairman of UAP, says eVTOL aircraft have “unparalleled potential to revolutionise mobility, but it can’t happen if we don’t have the infrastructure on the ground and in the air to make it happen.
“The importance of the ground infrastructure is too often overlooked. With Supernal’s investment and expertise and connection to Hyundai, we can supercharge the rollout of sustainable, intermodal and scalable ground infrastructure that will unleash the future of advanced air mobility globally.”
Jaiwon Shin, Chief Executive Officer of Supernal and President, Hyundai Motor Group, adds, “At Supernal, we are on a mission to transform how people and society move, connect, and live; therefore, it is essential we not only develop electric air vehicles, but also help shape the broader advanced air mobility market from the ground up. We are pleased to continue working with Urban-Air Port and support its efforts to create ground infrastructure that works seamlessly with eVTOLs and integrates the advanced air mobility industry with existing modes of transportation.”
As part of the investment deal, UAP has appointed Adam Slepian, Global Head of Partnerships & Business Development at Supernal, to its board of directors, and Matthew Sattler, Manager of Infrastructure and Ecosystems Partnerships at Supernal, joins UAP’s board of advisors. The close collaboration, says UAP, will ensure knowledge and expertise are shared across two crucial components of the industry.”