Progress made on Advanced Aerial Mobility in Ireland!

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Picture2Image: Russell Vickers (CEO, Future Mobility Campus Ireland) (Left), Julie Garland (CEO, Avtrain) (Centre) and John Drysdale (Business Development Manager, International Aviation Services Centre, part of Shannon Group) (Right)

In May 2021 a consortium was formed in Ireland. A Memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed by Skyports, Future Mobility Campus Ireland, AvTrain and Shannon Group to establish a passenger and cargo vertiport in Ireland. The consortium is currently working towards launching an operational vertiport at Shannon’s FMCI campus in 2022 however the long-term goal is the establishment of Ireland’s first air taxi service and routine drone operations. The partnership hopes to encourage participation and investment in Ireland’s Advanced Aerial Mobility industry (AAM).

The next step for the partnership will be the launch of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) proof-of-concept operations from Shannon in September 2021. These drone flights will demonstrate the viability of UAV/Drone operations and highlight the benefits that participation and investment in AAM will provide to Ireland.

Representatives from the partner companies had this to say about the exciting new venture;

Duncan Walker, CEO at Skyports, said: “This partnership provides a launch pad for Ireland’s advanced air mobility market. To be contributing at this early stage demonstrates the criticality of vertiport infrastructure to the success of the industry.  Participating alongside a group of such high calibre organisations puts us in a strong position to kick-start the project, providing the perfect mix of expertise to make our AAM plans a reality.”

Russell Vickers, CEO at Future Mobility Campus Ireland, said: “Ireland and this region in particular has a huge potential to shape future research and development of Advanced Aerial Mobility. This partnership demonstrates the belief in that potential. Development of a vertiport in conjunction with a UAV testing area provides a natural extension to the capabilities of the Future Mobility Campus. The ecosystem continues to grow thanks to the vision and belief of our partners.”

Julie Garland, CEO at Avtrain, said: “The calibre of the partners in this project ensures its success. The vast experience in training & certification standards, vertiport development, BVLOS drone ops, airport operations and autonomous mobility are a force to be reckoned with in the Advanced Air Mobility market. The location next to Shannon Airport is the epicentre of the aviation industry in Ireland and critical to the future integration of manned and unmanned aircraft. The future is here, onwards and upwards!”

John Drysdale, Business Development Manager at Shannon Group, said: “Collaborating with stakeholders who are experts in their field will provide a robust platform to develop new technologies and innovations in this exciting sector. The Shannon Campus will provide an ideal incubation space within which the future of mobility can be developed in a collegial manner bringing great opportunities to the region.”

Avtrain provides training and certification for drone pilots/operators across Ireland and the UK. Their mission is to encourage prolific drone operations and keep the skies safe through certification and the highest standards of training. Innovation is the core of Avtrain and they see the development of training through VR, AI & AR as futuristic yet realistic. Avtrain holds an approval as EASA Recognised Entity issued by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) for theoretical knowledge, practical training & assessments and recommendations to the Authority for the grant of EASA Open A2 and all Specific Category Authorisations, Declarations & Light UAS operator Certificate.

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Avtrain are based at the Guinness Enterprise Centre, Dublin 8. Visit them here on AvPay and check out their profile for more information. Enquire today to book your training & certification.

 

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