Vertiport infrastructure operator Skyports has teamed up with air transport IT services provider SITA to bring the latter’s technology to its vertiport locations.
The agreement aims to help passengers navigate the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem with ease.
Under the partnership, SITA will develop customised biometric and vertiport technology, aligning with Skyports’ plans for passenger experience.
SITA’s technology will be deployed first at Skyports Cergy-Pontoise vertiport testbed in Paris, France, which is slated to be completed in September.
The technology will be designed to demonstrate a full passenger journey, beginning from arrival at the vertiport terminal to electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft departure.
Skyports CEO Duncan Walker said: “AAM has presented an opportunity to reimagine the entire travel experience, from the vehicles we use and energy sources we rely on, right down to the way passengers book and check-in to flights.
“We are partnering with SITA to move into this next crucial stage in the planning and development of the AAM industry – defining the experience for end-users.
“Everything we do at Skyports is underpinned by the belief that there is a faster, smarter, more streamlined way to travel. Our work with SITA will demonstrate how that translates to the passenger journey.”
Using a mobile application with SITA’s biometric capabilities, passengers will also be able to book a ticket on eVTOL aircraft.
Passengers at the Skyports vertiport will be identified and verified with SITA face pods.
SITA also agreed to offer an automated scheduling solution to support Skyports’ airside operations.
SITA Europe president Sergio Colella said: “With Skyports, we have the potential to use existing airport technology to totally redesign the passenger journey, with a light-touch process using just your mobile or facial biometric to complete the various steps in the journey.
“Together we will also work with existing airports to support AAM solutions in the future.”
In April, Skyports partnered with eVTOL developer Wisk Aero on an autonomous air taxi service.
