THE OPPORTUNITY

Throughout our involvement in the Urban / Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector beginning in 2018, PS&S developed numerous industry relationships in this space. Notable among these was our association with Varon Aero of Colombia South America (now VARON). During the evolving nature of the relationship, PS&S was selected to participate in the 2021-2022 Varon Skyscraper Think Tank aviation workshops, and thereafter was asked by Felipe Varon, CEO of VARON, to assist with the concept design of AAM electric aircraft Vertiport facilities for future passenger service throughout Colombia and Latin America.

THE CHALLENGE

PS&S collaborated with VARON to provide concept illustrations of a prototypical series of passenger service Vertiports set in various locations, including urban, rural, and waterside facilities. VARON provided PS&S with aerial and ground level photographs of select sites, which were used by PS&S to graphically merge the concept 3D images. Once finalized, these concepts were submitted to VARON for fundraising and marketing purposes. Renderings of these concept facilities are found on the S&T web pages. Following this initial effort, VARON again requested assistance with the design and constructability of a new Vertiport project located in Cartegena for the Aerial Tourism market. (Passenger service is now a future endeavor).

THE PS&S SOLUTION

In a Memorandum of Understanding, VARON again sought the planning and design advice of PS&S for the refinement of their new concept Aerial Tourism Vertiport facility. PS&S reviewed the VARON images, discussed the intent of the ground and flight operations, helped re-organize their concept layouts both groundside and airside, developed broadscope planning and design criteria, and advised on sizing and necessary volume adjustments for the Passenger Terminal, Public Observation Deck, adjacent Aircraft Hangar, and upper Control Center, which provides nearly 360 degree visibility around the facility for enhanced situational awareness during flight operations, contributing to overall safety. Central to the facility layout was the design of the landing, taxiway, and parking areas for the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) that will be used for the tourism flights. Electric recharging stations were located for each parked aircraft. Automobile driveways and parking areas were positioned for convenience, and passenger entry and flow throughout the facility was studied and recommended, together with staff work area access.

PS&S will be asked to complete the facility design following fundraising, property acquisition, finalization of local aviation regulations, and lease of the aircraft to be used.