VPorts, the Quebec-based specialist in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure, has outlined plans to create Quebec’s first regional electric AAM vertiport network.
The network, which is expected to be up and running by 2030 will extend to all major Quebec regions, providing a sustainable transportation solution via electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
“We are excited to build the first vertiport network connecting all Quebec regions, including remote communities that are not adequately served by surface transportation or underserved by aviation,” said Dr Fethi Chebil, President and Founder of VPorts.
“Similar to heliports, the vertiports will be designed for take-off and landing by eVTOLs. Our initial growth strategy is based on regional transportation of goods and efficient movement of patients, organs for transplants and medical equipment.”
Focusing on locations that optimise multimodal transportation nodes, VPorts’ Quebec network will include Mirabel Helico, St-Hubert Airport and agglomerations such as Quebec City, Ottawa-Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Drummondville, Mont-Tremblant, Trois-Rivieres, Ste-Marie de Beauce and Riviere-du-Loup, as well as the network of airports in the north region of Quebec operated by Transports Quebec.
“Logically the first places to set up vertiports are existing helipads and airports,” said Chebil. “Industrial and commercial areas are also excellent options to consider. We look forward to collaborating with Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, the Government of Quebec and municipal officials on defining safety and security regulations, flight corridors, urban integration and community engagement for this important undertaking that will benefit our communities.”
The first generation of quiet, lightweight eVTOL aircraft will have a range of up to 250km, which is the limit of current aviation batteries. Subsequently, each vertiport will be equipped with charging stations as well as hydrogen fuel stations for hybrid aircraft to ensure availability.
VPorts is collaborating with a variety of partners to finalise the design and logistics of its vertiport network with the operational concept and requirements, including integration of air traffic management, being developed by engineering firm NUAIR. Meanwhile UAM Geomatics is in charge of cost and revenue forecasting, geospatial mapping and vertiport network location mapping in Quebec. Innovitech is supporting VPorts by developing a stakeholder management strategy focused on social acceptance and AEdifica is developing the architectural concept for the network.
According to a socio-economic impact study, VPorts’ AAM infrastructure network will generate $6.5 billion CAD in economic benefits for Quebec by 2045. It is also expected to create over 1,000 high-quality direct jobs in Quebec.
“A proven aviation leader with a rich history as an international aerospace hub, Quebec is proud to break new ground by becoming one of the first places in North America to introduce AAM,” said Suzanne M. Benoît, President of Aéro Montreal, Quebec’s aerospace cluster. “VPorts’ project is aligned with Quebec’s vision of promoting a greener industry. In the coming years, AAM will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of the aerospace sector.”
