Urban-Air Port and sustainable infrastructure company, BAI Energy (BAI) today announce their partnership on an innovative strategic vision to rejuvenate and modernise aviation infrastructure in Italy, initially by redeveloping a trio of disused aerodromes across Italy to support the rollout of next-generation vertiports.

Starting in Northern Italy, the Phase 1 first three locations under negotiations are in Venice, Piedmont and Trieste.  This relationship marks a significant step in BAI’s ability to execute on its strategic vision.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Urban-Air Port on an exclusive basis to transform underutilised aerodromes into state-of-the-art hubs for urban air mobility across these first three locations. Their vertiport solution is the most advanced we have seen and we have been very impressed by their approach, technical and commercial expertise – which perfectly aligns with our own goals when it comes to modernising and electrifying Italy’s transportation infrastructure.” — Nathaniel Milner, CEO of BAI Energy

This collaboration will provide BAI access to Urban-Air Port (UAP) technology and services, including design, planning, infrastructure-supply and ability to leverage UAP’s cutting-edge proprietary solutions to equip aerodromes with state-of-the-art facilities and systems.  The venture will benefit from strategic guidance from UAP’s worlds class team to navigate the complexities of integrating advanced air mobility infrastructure into these locations, and develop robust operational and financial plans by utilising UAP’s proprietary, business modelling tools to enhance efficiency and support investment and growth.

Supported by Invest Italia and the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, BAI & UAP are already working to identify further complementary sites for Phase 2 that will form the basis of a fully connected network supporting passenger and cargo flights.  BAI and UAP are currently in discussions with a number of preferred eVTOL manufacturers and operators.

“We’re delighted that BAI Energy have chosen us to join them on this ground breaking & realistic approach to integrating advanced air mobility into this stunning region. Our modular vertiports are unrivalled and designed to integrate seamlessly into a variety of natural and built environments – that’s been our approach from the very beginning – a solution that is designed to fit in, and we can’t wait to get started in Italy.” — Andrea Wu, CEO of Urban-Air Port

“This is an exciting opportunity to revitalise underutilised aerodromes with potential to transform them into world class multi-modal vertiports – providing a new dimension of connectivity across this challenging Northern Italy geography. Northern Italy is just the beginning.” — Ricky Sandhu, Founder of Urban-Air Port

Under the agreement, BAI has granted UAP the first right of refusal on any vertiport development and plans to work exclusively with them on these projects.

The collaboration between BAI and UAP is expected to set a new benchmark in urban air mobility and infrastructure development, starting in Northern Italy and then expanding to other regions – shaping and building a new era of air travel.  UAP’s first overseas office in the EU is currently supporting BAI in the ongoing discussions with the local governments across the launch regions of Venice, Piedmont and Trieste.  Their world class experience in real-estate, planning, design, construction, and in particular, their track record having successfully built and operated a fully functional vertiport in the centre of UK’s Coventry City Centre is of great value to this exciting initiative in Italy.