Skyports, a leader in vertiport infrastructure and drone operations, announced today a significant equity investment from ACS Group, a global powerhouse in infrastructure and construction, becoming its largest investor. ACS Group, which reported revenues of $39 billion in 2023, invested through its infrastructure arm, Iridium Concesiones de Infraestructuras S.A. (IRIDIUM), specializing in sustainable transportation solutions.
The investment will accelerate developments in both of Skyports' business arms. Skyports Infrastructure is gearing up to launch air taxi services in Dubai by 2026, having recently signed a tripartite agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority and Joby Aviation. This segment will also pursue expansion in other markets. Skyports Drone Services will enhance its offerings in offshore energy deliveries, medical deliveries, asset inspections, and water quality monitoring services.
ACS INFRA is known for its commitment to sustainable, large-scale transport projects, such as the Automated People Mover at Los Angeles International Airport and the Lima metropolitan railway extension. This strategic alignment will further explore integrating drone delivery and inspection services within ACS Group's extensive infrastructure and construction portfolio.
In addition to ACS’s contribution, Groupe ADP, a longstanding shareholder since Skyports' Series A funding in 2019, will also increase its investment during the Series C round. These collaborations aim to advance vertiport technology and operations, having previously established the first European vertiport testbed in Paris.
With this funding, IRIDIUM CEO, Nuria Haltiwanger, will take on the role of Chairperson on the Skyports Board of Directors, joined by new board members Ramon Villaamil and Vicente Maraña.
Duncan Walker, CEO and Co-founder of Skyports, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “With ACS’s support, we are ideally positioned to expand commercial air taxi and electric drone services globally. This investment not only validates our initiatives but also strengthens our market leadership, enabling continued growth and the development of new aviation services.”
Nuria Haltiwanger also commented on the partnership: "We are excited about our partnership with Skyports, which will allow us to play a significant role in the burgeoning Advanced Air Mobility market. We look forward to applying our large-scale infrastructure expertise to support the growth of Skyports and the broader market, driving efficiencies in our asset management, construction, and mining sectors."
This latest investment underscores Skyports' commanding presence in the advanced air mobility space, backed by strategic partners like Archer, Beta, Joby Aviation, Vertical Aerospace, and Volocopter. Skyports Drone Services collaborates with prominent entities such as the UK National Health Service (NHS), Equinor, UPS, Royal Mail, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, highlighting its impact across various sectors.
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