Vertiport Developer Skyportz to Launch Operations as Wilbur Air

The wholly owned subsidiary will operate advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft, including hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft from Electra.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 03:54 PM ET

Verified

A 3D rendering depicts a Wilbur Air-branded Electra.aero eSTOL flying off the coast of Victoria, Australia. [Courtesy: Wilbur Air]

Key Takeaways:

Australian vertiport developer Skyportz has launched Wilbur Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to operate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft such as drones and air taxis across its future network.
Wilbur Air will have priority access to Skyportz's vertiports and has announced Electra.aero as its first aircraft partner, with a letter of intent for 100 hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.
The Electra eSTOL aircraft is noted for its ability to take off and land in very short distances, long range, and hybrid-electric configuration which eliminates the immediate need for dedicated charging infrastructure at vertiports.
Skyportz aims to decentralize AAM operations by developing vertiports and runways in new locations, seeking to break the industry's reliance on existing airport infrastructure.

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Australian vertiport developer Skyportz, which is building a network of sites across the country that could accommodate advanced air mobility (AAM) operations, is now looking to operate AAM aircraft itself.

The company over the weekend announced the establishment of Wilbur Air, a wholly owned subsidiary that will operate drones, air taxis, and other electric and hybrid aircraft across the future Skyportz network.