Joint Venture to Develop AAM Ecosystem in Italy

VEGA (Vertical Gateway), a venture between Skyports, SEA Milan, and 2i Aeroporti, is to launch operations between Malpensa Airport and Central Milan, and will then focus on scaling operations to other parts of Lombardy, and potentially other regions By Joe Macey / 17 Oct 2024
Skyports, SEA Milano and 2i Aeroporti VEGA joint venture
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Skyports Infrastructure, SEA Milan (the operator of Milan’s airports), and 2i Aeroporti, an Italian airport infrastructure investment firm, have partnered to create VEGA, a joint venture aimed at advancing the AAM ecosystem throughout Milan and the broader Lombardy region.

VEGA – Vertical Gateway – focuses on the deployment of critical vertiport infrastructure networks throughout Lombardy, paving the way for the introduction of air taxi services. By integrating sustainable electric vertical aviation solutions, VEGA aims to transform regional mobility, facilitating efficient, zero-emission transportation of both people and goods.

VEGA draws on the specialised expertise of each JV partner. Skyports will contribute its knowledge in developing, constructing and operating vertiport infrastructure, SEA Milan will bring over 70 years of experience in managing and operating two of Italy’s busiest airports, and 2i Aeroporti will leverage its strong relationships with Italian institutions and its large national airport platform to nurture VEGA’s growth.

The first objective of VEGA is to launch operations between Malpensa Airport and central Milan. The JV will then focus on scaling operations to other parts of Lombardy and potentially other Italian regions.

The Board of Directors of VEGA is led by Alessandro Fidato (SEA), who serves as Chairman, alongside Paolomaria Capello, VEGA’s CEO. The board also includes Damian Kysely (Skyports), Laura Pascotto (F2i), and Chiara Dorigotti (SEA Prime) as directors, bringing together a diverse and experienced leadership team with strong backgrounds in aviation infrastructure development and operations.

Paolomaria Capello, Chief Executive Officer of VEGA, said; “This joint venture brings together key aviation stakeholders to transform transportation at the heart of Italy’s business and industrial capital. With VEGA, we are delivering cutting-edge electric vertical aviation technology, creating faster, cleaner connections between urban centres, airports, and other important hubs of economic activity and tourism. With such strong partners involved in these efforts, we are in the best possible position to achieve Italy’s AAM ambitions.”

Damian Kysely, Director, VEGA and Head of EMEA at Skyports Infrastructure, added; “The formation of VEGA is a significant milestone in Skyports’ mission to bring air taxi operations to northern Italy. This joint venture underscores our commitment to building the infrastructure needed to make advanced air mobility a reality for Milan and Lombardy. With VEGA, we’re not only developing efficient, low emission transport solutions for passengers and cargo, but also positioning the region as a leader in Europe’s AAM future.”

Laura Pascotto, partner F2i, said; “F2i, through 2i Aeroporti, controls the largest airport network in Italy, with over 63 million passengers every year. This result has been built over the years through several acquisitions and relevant investments, and today is the ideal platform for the development of vertical mobility infrastructures. As shareholders of SEA and Skyports, we are thrilled to bring Vega to life and participate directly in its development.”

Posted by Joe Macey Edited by Joseph Macey, Editor and Copywriter and experienced journalist with an active interest in advanced air mobility. Connect & Contact

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