Revolutionizing Urban Mobility: A Conversation with Sandra Formenton, CEO of eVertiSKY.

eVertiSKY is one of the Platinum sponsors of the tenth edition of Dronitaly 2024. We speak with the CEO, Sandra Formenton, to better understand the core business of the company and its interactions with the world of Urban Air Mobility/Advanced Air Mobility.

Dronitaly: Tell us briefly about the company's mission in the world of UAM/AAM.

Sandra Formenton: Our mission is clear and resolute: to revolutionize urban transportation by providing comprehensive solutions for ground-space and airspace infrastructure, acting as a single-source provider.

We specialize in developing sustainable vertiport designs and architecture, establishing these facilities as central hubs in urban areas to catalyze economic growth. Our focus is on creating vertiports that serve as more than just landing spots; they are accessible to the community and enable businesses to expand their reach.

We prioritize the design of robust UAM airspace structures above our vertiports to ensure seamless integration with civil and community airspace. This provides cities efficient command and control of UAM air traffic, ground operations, and asset management, using a data-driven methodology that ensures precision and reliability.

Our approach is not merely about developing infrastructure; it's about creating a cohesive urban mobility ecosystem. Our consulting services empower cities to integrate vertiports into existing economic zones and transportation networks, ensuring that urban air mobility becomes a viable and essential component of modern transportation.

We activate the commercialization and monetization of UAM infrastructure across cities, benefiting both cities and stakeholders on the ground and in the urban airspace. This includes our approach to UAM resource definition in urban environments and strategizing UAM activation from the ground up, putting an end to guesswork.

We are committed to industry standards, aligning with regulatory frameworks, and establishing a sustainable and efficient UAM ecosystem that enhances connectivity, reduces congestion, and supports economic growth in smart cities worldwide.

Dronitaly: quali sono le innovazioni che eVertiSKY porta con la sua professionalità verso il mondo dei vertiporti e delle infrastrutture ecosostenibili?

What are the innovations that eVertiSKY brings with its professionalism to the world of vertiports and eco-sustainable infrastructures?

Sandra Formenton: eVertiSKY delivers cutting-edge innovations to the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry, bridging critical gaps to ensure operations are relevant, compliant, and sustainable. Our approach integrates advanced technology with eco-friendly practices across ground and airspace infrastructures, addressing both operational and safety requirements.

• eSkyBridge Software Defined Airspace (SDA) and Four-Dimensional Trajectory-Based Reference Box (4DTRB):As a cornerstone of our airspace management system, the eSkyBridge SDA creates a digital twin of urban airspace, establishing a network of aerial 'expressways.' The 4DTRB, functioning within this system, provides precise airspace segmentation and management, adapting to real-time conditions like weather and traffic. This capability ensures optimized routing for drones and eVTOLs, enabling efficient, safe, and compliant UAM operations.
  
  
• Vertiport Design:Our vertiports, designed under the guidance of Chief Architect Giancarlo Zema, incorporate biomimicry and advanced operating systems. These designs facilitate seamless integration into urban landscapes and support the adoption of sustainable aviation technologies.
  
  
• MRO Aircraft Servicing Facility:In addition to vertiport infrastructure, we provide specialized facilities for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft. These MRO facilities ensure that eVTOLs are maintained to the highest standards, supporting operational safety and reliability.
  
  
• Dual Use Charging Systems:These vertiports also feature dual charging systems for both eVTOLs and ground vehicles, facilitating quick turnarounds and promoting efficient energy use.
  
  
• UAM Feasibility Study:The UAM Feasibility Study explores the potential and requirements for integrating UAM within urban environments. This study assesses the technical, economic, and regulatory frameworks needed for viable UAM operations, providing a strategic blueprint for the development of sustainable and efficient infrastructure.
  
  
• UAM Living Labs:Our UAM Living Labs initiative serves as a practical platform for engaging with communities and stakeholders. Through these labs, we collect real-world data and public feedback, which informs the refinement of UAM solutions. This approach ensures that UAM deployments meet actual urban needs, gain public acceptance, and comply with regulatory standards.
  
  
• Scalability through "Test Small, Build Small":Embracing a "Test Small, Build Small" strategy, eVertiSKY ensures scalable growth for UAM infrastructures. This approach allows for the incremental development and testing of UAM environments, minimizing risks and enabling adaptive scaling across geographies based on real-world performance and demand. This method not only supports scalability but also ensures municipal command and control, operator reliability, and overall efficiency of UAM operations.
  
  
• Dynamic Node Authentication and Registration (DNAR):DNAR is integral to the 4DTRB infrastructure, enabling seamless integration of various nodes into the local SDA. This process includes Plug-and-Play Connectivity, Dynamic Authentication, and Registration, ensuring nodes are authenticated, registered, and configured swiftly. DNAR also allows nodes to access advanced capabilities, such as the NASA ATMx Digital Information Platform (DIP), optimizing trajectory-based operations and enhancing overall safety and efficiency.
  
  
• Resource Optimization, Sustainability, and Asset Publishing:eVertiSKY is dedicated to optimizing resource use and promoting sustainability. Our infrastructure designs integrate renewable energy sources and eco-friendly practices, reducing energy consumption and operational costs. Additionally, we emphasize UAM Airspace and Ground Space Asset Publishing, which involves exposing these assets to UAM airspace operators, regulators, and the local municipal Department of Transportation. This practice is essential for command and control, ensuring comprehensive visibility and efficient utilization of UAM infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and maintaining safety standards.

Dronitaly: What developments do you foresee in the future for the transport sector using eVTOL?

Sandra Formenton: In the near future, eVTOLs are poised to transform urban transportation in several significant ways. We anticipate a major expansion of eVTOL networks, which will enhance connectivity between urban centers and outlying areas, drastically reducing travel times and alleviating ground congestion. This development will make city travel more efficient and accessible.

Advancements in autonomous systems are critical to this transformation. We expect eVTOLs to increasingly operate autonomously, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. These systems, equipped with advanced AI, will manage complex urban airspaces more effectively, optimizing air traffic management and maximizing airspace utilization.

eVTOLs will also integrate seamlessly with existing transportation systems, creating a comprehensive multimodal network. They will connect with other forms of transport, such as trains and buses, providing a cohesive travel experience. Additionally, eVTOLs will play a significant role in last-mile logistics, improving delivery efficiency alongside traditional logistics methods and drones.

The establishment of robust regulatory frameworks is essential. We're collaborating with agencies like NASA and the FAA to develop standards that will ensure the safe and reliable operation of eVTOLs. These regulations will cover everything from air traffic management to noise control, paving the way for widespread adoption.

Sustainability is a core benefit of eVTOL technology. With electric propulsion systems, eVTOLs will significantly reduce urban pollution and noise, contributing to cleaner and quieter cities. This aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change.

The economic impact of eVTOLs will also be substantial. The development of necessary infrastructure, such as vertiports, will create numerous job opportunities and attract significant investment, driving innovation in urban mobility. This growth will not only enhance transportation infrastructure but also stimulate local economies.

Public acceptance and integration are critical to the success of eVTOLs. Through initiatives like UAM Living Labs, we engage with communities to address concerns and demonstrate the benefits of this technology. By involving the public in the planning process, we ensure a smoother transition and broader support for eVTOL solutions.