Australian vertiport developer Skyportz has unveiled an innovative patent that addresses one of the most significant obstacles facing urban air mobility: the powerful and potentially dangerous airflows generated by eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. Released at the Avalon International Airshow in Melbourne, this innovative approach effectively manages the downwash and outwash effects, having the potential to change the game for aerial transportation in cities.

Recent Federal Aviation Administration research has revealed significant safety concerns regarding electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations. According to their December 2024 report “Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) Downwash and Outwash Survey,” these aircraft can generate downwash and outwash (DWOW) forces equivalent to hurricane-force winds, exceeding current safety threshold guidelines.

Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft will redefine urban mobility by offering point-to-point aerial transportation. However, their integration into densely populated areas will demand careful planning across three related disciplines: flight corridor design, acoustic impact mitigation, and community acceptance.

Vertiports are specialized infrastructure facilities designed for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. They are essential in the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative. These innovative facilities can be integrated into existing structures, such as skyscraper rooftops and parking structures.