Skyportz has welcomed one of the world’s leading researchers on turbulence modelling, Dr Abdulghani Mohamed, to assist with vertiport site selection for the emerging electric air taxi industry.

Dr Mohamed was the Australian Scientist of the Year (2021) and Engineering Professional of the Year (2022) and is recognised for his research in enhancing the resilience of aircraft in adverse weather conditions. He has developed new theoretical concepts and solutions around anti-turbulence technology, and he heads up the UAV research group at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Australia.

Skyportz is Australia’s leading vertiport developer, working with the property industry to establish new landing sites for electric air taxis which will soon be commercially operating.

“There is enormous interest from the property industry to help us break the nexus between aviation and airports”, said Skyportz CEO, Clem Newton-Brown.

“We are working with Governments, air regulators and communities to establish the parameters for the introduction of vertiport infrastructure and short take-off and landing runways. The primary concern is safe operations and the impacts of air turbulence within built form environments is a significant issue that needs to be addressed on a site-by-site basis”.

“Having Dr Mohamed leading this aspect of vertiport site assessments will ensure that we can rule out inappropriate sites early and move confidently to progress sites where turbulence can be managed”.

Dr Mohamed said that he was excited by the opportunity to partner with Skyportz and provide his expertise to industry.

“Turbulence modelling, aerodynamics and aircraft control in adverse conditions is my area of expertise. Micro weather conditions can have catastrophic impacts on small aircraft, but we can ameliorate these risks when we have fixed vertiport sites to assess. Wind gust risks are often predictable, and our modelling expertise will help to ensure that the Advanced Air Mobility industry advances with the highest levels of safety possible”, said Dr Mohamed.

In addition to assessing vertiport sites in Australia, Skyportz provides consultancy services globally as communities around the world gear up for this revolution in aviation.