9a34321f-e720-4135-855c-3a46dc433e25

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>As news <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/uber-air-melbourne-flying-car">broke</a> that Melbourne was selected as Uber’s first international flying taxi test city, Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas declared that the “future of transport” had arrived. </p><p>And Clem Newton-Brown agrees. The director of Skyportz — a start-up aimed at establishing landing infrastructure for VTOLs (vertical take-off and landing aircraft) — Newton-Brown played a supporting role in Melbourne’s <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/uber-air-flying-cars-elevate-summit">bid</a>. </p><p>The former deputy lord mayor and member of parliament is working with property developers, government regulators and global consultancy Arup to establish a network of “Skyportz” around the country. </p><p>As one of the key figures behind the urban air mobility revolution in Australia, Newton-Brown will be joining us at <a href="https://weareurbanity.com.au/speakers/">Urbanity ’19</a>. </p><p>In the lead up to Urbanity, we spoke with Newton-Brown about Melbourne’s win, the urban air mobility market and how to convert any flying car skeptic. </p><p>You can catch Clem Newton-Brown, and a <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/urbanity-2019-speaker-announcement">host</a> of other speakers at Urbanity, 23-24 October 2019.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/cf390735-e62e-400b-8fcd-cad2ccb4dd10.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ As one of the key figures behind the urban air mobility revolution in Australia, Newton-Brown will be joining us at Urbanity ’19. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>TUD: We last spoke after Melbourne was </strong></em><a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/uber-air-melbourne-flying-car"><em><strong>announced</strong></em></a><em><strong> as Uber’s first international test city, why do you think Melbourne’s bid was successful?</strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB: </strong>Uber Air had the choice of any city in the world to launch as its first international test city. We were up against a shortlist of Mumbai, Paris, Sao Paolo, Tokyo and Sydney (sorry Sydney!)</p><p>In the end I think it was probably a range of factors that caused them to choose Melbourne:</p><ul> <li><p>the enthusiasm and support offered by the Victorian state government to remove regulatory barriers;</p></li><li><p>the fact that Melbourne has the only central city helipad in Australia which can be used for initial flights prior to the network of Skyportz being established;</p></li><li><p>the support of CASA which has already facilitated drone deliveries for Google’s Wing project in Canberra.</p></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>TUD: You were in Washington D.C. for Uber’s Elevate </strong></em><a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/uber-air-flying-cars-elevate-summit"><em><strong>Summit</strong></em></a><em><strong>, what were the highlights? </strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB: </strong>It was awesome to be invited by Uber to attend the summit after we had met their team while they were scoping out Melbourne. </p><p>The two-day summit spanned a range of issues and meeting some of the very clever people who are developing prototype aircraft was a highlight. Coming from a legal, political and property background it was a real eye opener to enter the world of cutting-edge technology experts.</p><p>When they announced Melbourne as the first international test city, I know how Sydneysiders must have felt when they got the Olympics!</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>TUD: Your company, Skyportz, has partnered with Microflite Helicopters to utilise existing helicopter infrastructure for eVTOLS. Outside of Uber, what is your timeline for the introduction of passenger eVTOLS in Australia?</strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB:</strong> Skyportz is focused on providing a network of landing sites over the next five years so that when we have eVTOLs certified to fly commercially they will have somewhere to land. </p><p>We are collaborating with Microflite which owns the lease on the only central city helipad in Australia. Microflite will likely end up being involved in operations of these new aircraft as eVTOLs become more efficient than helicopters for some flights.</p><p>We will not be producing our own aircraft but we will make our network available for Uber Air and other eVTOL operators. I would anticipate that over the next few years Uber Air will be testing a range of aircraft using existing airports and helipads. </p><p>Within 5 years I would expect commercial operations to commence.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/13135dbf-7a31-4fd0-a989-3bfa852b9512.gif" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ German start-up Lilium has launched its first prototype in Munich. Image: Lilium</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>TUD: The air mobility market is very competitive, what other players in this space should we keep an eye on? </strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB: </strong>There are literally dozens of companies in this race to build a commercially certified eVTOL. From major aviation players such as Bell, Airbus and Boeing right down to small tech startups.</p><p>You can check out the full list of prototypes and their stage of development at <a href="https://transportup.com/the-hangar/">Transport Up</a>.</p><p>A quick look through this list will convert any sceptic who thinks air taxis are just a fantasy.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>TUD: How can architects and developers future-proof their buildings for eVTOLs?</strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB: </strong>You have to remember that while Uber Air will be providing a seamless booking service which will turn this potential into a real aerial ride sharing service, they will not be producing aircraft or managing Skyportz. </p><p>Uber will initially be building major transport hubs in locations that their data says will be in demand, but there will be opportunities for individual building owners to become part of the aerial network by signing up to Skyportz in the early stages.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>TUD: Where do you see opportunity for investment in the air mobility market?</strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB: </strong>You would be crazy not to incorporate both drone delivery and eVTOL landing infrastructure into any new build. </p><p>You won’t get a permit to use it just yet but simply the fact that you have a Skyportz in your development will provide an added attraction to tenants and investors. Skyportz is working with Arup as partners who have already designed several Skyportz around the world.</p><p>For existing buildings I would recommend simply registering an interest with Skyportz so that you will be in the loop as things progress. </p><p>It may be that a large investor will build and own Skyportz and individual building owners will simply offer a long term commercial lease. </p><p>For building owners there is nothing to lose — rooftop space which currently produces no income could become very valuable in the future.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>TUD: What’s next for Skyportz? </strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB: </strong>We are locking in some really key sites in Melbourne at the moment and we are also taking expressions of interest from building owners in other capital cities (as well as regional tourism destinations). </p><p>We will be providing a “set and forget” service for building owners to register and leave it to us to ensure that their buildings are in the mix when the urban aerial mobility revolution arrives. </p><p>Uber Air and other VTOL operators are not interested in scoping individual buildings, but for anyone in the Skyportz network we will provide the critical mass to get a seat at the table when the flying taxi services commence.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/4e17b5ee-ed1d-4008-ac56-982a59c0509a.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ City workers will soon be able to step onto a Melbourne CBD rooftop and book a 10-minute, ride-sharing flight to the airport for less than $100.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><em><strong>TUD: And finally, a few ‘parlour game’ questions.</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>A recent book you enjoyed?</strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB:</strong> As a former member of parliament I enjoy all the political “insider” books by authors such as Niki Savva (“Plots and Prayers”) for the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.</p><p><em><strong>A recent streaming series you enjoyed? </strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB: </strong>Last Man on Earth, streaming on SBS on demand. Very quirky and funny.</p><p><em><strong>Someone that inspires you.</strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB:</strong> The Wright brothers. These bicycle shop owners laboured for years to produce the first powered flight. What must have seemed a fantasy, they were able to make a reality. And of course very gutsy to strap themselves in to their contraption and take off!</p><p><em><strong>Up to three buildings or projects that inspire you.</strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB: </strong>Picnic Island in Tasmania. Urban renewal projects such as the Highline in New York and Cheonggyecheon in Seoul.</p><p>The low-rise art deco buildings which have survived in Melbourne such as Alkira House, Yule house and the Majorca building.</p><p><em><strong>Who are you looking forward to meeting at </strong></em><a href="https://weareurbanity.com.au/speakers/"><em><strong>Urbanity</strong></em></a><em><strong>? </strong></em></p><p><strong>CNB: </strong>Urbanity will be a great opportunity to catch up with people in the industry to discuss urban aerial mobility. </p><p>The property industry can’t help much with the background work now going on to develop aircraft but once they start flying the property industry is the missing piece of the puzzle. Without us there can be no aerial ride sharing service.</p><p>I will also be looking forward to chatting with Sam Tarascio about the potential for delivery drones in his transport, logistics and property businesses.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Over two days in October, Urbanity will bring together the leading creators of cities in the Asia Pacific to learn, connect and be inspired.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p style="text-align:center"><a href="https://weareurbanity.com.au/book-tickets/"><strong>Click here</strong> to secure your early bird ticket today</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/8cec1f4d-45c2-4a16-8a8c-f4c22d04ef26.jpg" width="720"/></picture><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

The former lawyer, deputy lord mayor and Victorian member of parliament is working with property developers, government regulators and Arup.

Developers and owners need to reassess commercial property portfolios for the potential to diversify into electric aviation, says Skyportz director Clem Newton-Brown.

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Prior to Uber Air’s announcement that Melbourne had been selected as the <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/uber-air-melbourne-flying-car">third official pilot city </a>for its “flying taxi” fleet, Skyportz had been advancing the case for Australia to be a world leader in the emerging clean, green, electric air taxi industry.</p><p>McKinsey forecasts the industry will be worth more than a trillion dollars by 2040 and the race to get commercial type certification for these new aircraft is well under way.</p><p>Some of the biggest aviation companies in the world have flying prototypes including Boeing, Bell, Airbus and Embraer. </p><p>Automotive companies such as Hyundai, Toyota and Rolls Royce are also in the race as well as new aviation disruptors such as Joby, Lilium, Volocopter, Archer and Electra Aero.</p><p>The investment into the aircraft frontrunners stands at almost $10 billion and there is no doubt that we will see some of the 300-plus start-ups get certified in the next few years.</p><p>However, the missing piece of the puzzle is where these aircraft are going to land. </p><p>To fulfil their potential, we need these aircraft to land in places where helicopters can’t go—think business parks, manufacturing hubs, industrial land, shopping centres, car parking garages and eventually city rooftops.</p><p>Skyportz has quietly amassed a stable of more than 400 sites across Australia in partnership with various industrial and commercial property players such as Secure Parking. </p><p>These sites are ready to be activated as soon as the land use planning rules allow.</p><p>In a major boost to the burgeoning industry in Australia, the federal government and the Victorian government this week signed a memorandum of understanding to foster the long-term growth of the advanced air mobility industry for both passenger and freight services.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/3cb797f1-320e-4ee8-888b-f8f376048539.jpg" width="862"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The electric aircraft sector is to be worth over a trillion dollars by 2040.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>The federal government has already committed $35.7 million to developing air taxi and drone freight through the National Emerging Aviation Policy and the Victorian government has committed $12 million to the new Swinburne Airhub which aims to advance capability across aerospace, defence, software development and advanced manufacturing. </p><p>CASA and Air Services Australia have been working on developing a whole new era in aviation for some years already.</p><p>The federal government is likely to enter similar MOUs with other states soon.</p><p>It is incumbent on state governments to move swiftly to amend planning schemes to allow these new “mini airports” to be established in areas which are convenient—no more driving to a capital city airport to get on a plane, the journey will be able to start at your local landing spot. </p><p>Regional towns will be able to be connected to cities without the need to pass through a major airport.</p><p></p><p>In addition to local air taxi developer AMSL aero, the US-based Electra Aero and Embraer’s Eve have announced plans for Australian operations. </p><p>More will come now that we have indicated a commitment to strong policy action. There is a global race well under way and the capital will flow to jurisdictions which have the policy settings enabling this industry to flourish.</p><p>For property developers it will mean that a whole new land use will be possible which will add amenity to attract tenants—air taxi landing sites built into mixed-use and residential developments and drone freight services becoming the central hub at industrial and business parks.</p><p>If you have previously dismissed this emerging industry as science fiction, it is now very clear that Australia is committed to being a world leader in this space.</p><p>Now is the time to reassess commercial property portfolios for the potential to diversify into electric aviation.</p><p></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><hr/></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><h2>Author</h2><p>Clem Newton-Brown<br>Skyportz director</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Developers and owners need to reassess commercial property portfolios for the potential to diversify into electric aviation, says Skyportz director...

UBER AIR