LYNEports Community

To build a successful vertiport ecosystem, cities need to think beyond the landing pad and focus on the full infrastructure that supports and surrounds it. A vertiport is not just a landing spot, it is part of a larger, decentralized network that can change how people and goods move and connect within a city.

Each vertiport should act as a center for commercial and cultural activity. Like a smaller version of an airport, it can become a local hub for business and community life. Around these landing sites, cities can expect to see cafés, lounges, retail kiosks, mobility stations, package lockers, smart parking, and even duty-free-style shops. In my view, these spaces won’t look the same everywhere, they will reflect the local culture and needs of each city, what works in Riyadh may be very different from what is needed in Rome or Rio.

Looking ahead, these central vertiport hubs…

We talk a lot about integrating drones and AAM into our airspace, but honestly, the bigger challenge isn’t just in the sky, it’s on the ground.

Yes, low-altitude corridors are being studied and discussed, and technically, it's doable. But if we don’t start planning from a city and urban infrastructure level, these technologies will stay stuck in pilot mode. No amount of airspace modeling will matter if we don’t have the right places for these aircraft to safely land, charge, or serve people in a meaningful way.

This isn’t just about solving today's logistics. It’s about asking:

- Where do these aircraft actually make sense in a city?

- What locations are safe, accessible, and actually improve life for people nearby?

- How do we future-proof those choices for the next 30 to 50 years?

As drone operations grow, I believe the way we think about landing infrastructure will need to shift quickly. We’re heading toward a future where drone pads are modular, compact, and easy to transport; designed for rapid deployment on rooftops, parking lots, or temporary urban sites.

But this flexibility doesn’t remove the need for oversight. Each location still needs to be checked against existing airspace restrictions, local regulations, and safety requirements. In my view, cities and operators will need smarter tools that can speed up approvals, automate checks, and map out compliant flight corridors on the fly.

It’s an exciting space where urban mobility, tech, and regulation intersect.

What do you think is the biggest bottleneck to making this vision a reality?

I’ve always believed that airports, heliports, and vertiports aren’t just transportation hubs, they’re real estate assets that influence how our cities grow and function.

These sites sit at the intersection of land use, mobility, and investment. Their location, size, access, zoning, and noise footprint impact surrounding property values, urban development, and public acceptance. With advanced air mobility on the rise, every vertiport or heliport we plan isn’t just about where aircraft can land, it’s about how that site fits into a city’s fabric.

Planning these sites means thinking about more than regulations and aircraft specs. We also need to consider real estate strategy, multi-modal access, community integration, and long-term value. That’s why LYNEports was built, to help make those connections easier, faster, and more data-driven.

Would love to hear how others in the community are thinking about the land and location aspects of AAM planning.

Joby Aviation completed the region’s first-ever piloted eVTOL test flight in Dubai, in collaboration with the RTA and UAE aviation authorities. Just days later, Archer took to the skies in Abu Dhabi, testing performance under the UAE’s unique climate conditions.

These milestone flights mark a bold step toward making electric air taxis a reality in the region. The UAE continues to position itself as a global leader in advanced aviation, sustainability, and innovation.

Exciting times ahead for our skies!

We want to support the next generation of innovators shaping aviation, infrastructure, and technology. A unique chance to join a global network of professionals working at the intersection of AI, airport planning, Advanced Air Mobility design, and smart infrastructure. 

The selected students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals in architecture, engineering, urban planning, aviation, and emerging tech will get:

✅ Free One-Month Certificate Training +

✅ Hands-On Experience +

✅ Internship Opportunities +

✅ LYNEports Certificate

A new Executive Order was issued this June that sets the stage for electric air taxis to finally take off—literally. It creates the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, or eIPP, aimed at helping eVTOL aircraft safely operate in real conditions. Only five pilot projects will be selected, so states that already have regulations, infrastructure plans, or public-private partnerships in place will likely have the upper hand.

Companies like Joby, Archer, and Beta are already deep into FAA certification. With this push, we’re moving from hype to implementation. The dream of flying cars and urban air travel is no longer just a concept—it’s starting to look real.

It’s a huge moment, especially for anyone building the infrastructure or digital tools that will help these systems operate at scale.