Vertiport infrastructure specialist Skyports, has tasked SITA with providing its digital solutions for Skyports’ vertiport locations.
Initially SITA’s technology will be implemented at the Skyports Cergy-Pontoise vertiport testbed in Paris, which is planned for completion in September 2022 to demonstrate the full passenger journey, from arrival at the vertiport terminal to eVTOL aircraft departure. The collaboration will highlight the ease with which passengers can navigate the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem.
AS part of the parternship SITA will apply its expertise in airport technology to the emerging AAM industry to develop bespoke biometric and vertiport technology in line with Skyports’ vision for the passenger experience. Passenger autonomy, ease and convenience are all central to the success of the industry and the widespread adoption of AAM. SITA’s biometric solution, Smart Path, will enable eVTOL passengers travelling with Skyports to enjoy a seamless, technology-driven experience throughout their journey. They will be able to book and reserve eVTOL flights via a mobile app powered by SITA’s biometric capabilities. Once at the skyport passengers will then be able to use SITA face pods to identify and verify themselves before boarding an aircraft.
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports commented: “AAM has presented us an opportunity to re-imagine 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.”
He also noted that to make AAM work there needs to be a demonstrable benefit to the end-user. “Hence the passenger experience is fundamental to our success.”
SITA will also provide an automated scheduling solution to support Skyports’ airside operations. So, once a passenger requests a booking, a flight slot will automatically be secured at both departure and destination, ensuring the aircraft is operationally ready and waiting when the passenger arrives. It will also ensure that all the resources needed to support that flight and ensure on-time departures are in place.
Sergio Colella, President of Europe at SITA added: “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.”
The coming months will see Skyports begin passenger experience trials at its Cergy-Pontoise vertiport testbed facility, Europe’s first operational testing site for AAM, which is being developed in partnership with Groupe ADP.