A pivotal keystone of eVTOLs and AAM is rapid charging infrastructure. Here we catch up with our Electrification Lead, Ali Ilyas, to get the deep dive on everything that goes into electrifying our skyports – from the complexities of integrating new charging infrastructure at existing sites, making sure our new sites have adequate power available, and how we go about making sure all OEMs can charge and operate from our facilities.
- What do you get up to as our Electrification Lead, and how does it play into what we’re doing here at Skyports?
As Electrification Lead I’m responsible for deploying eVTOL charging Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and securing the mix of grid and microgrid power solutions needed to enable fast electric aircraft turnaround. I’m ultimately driving electrification strategies that will enable scalable and sustainable eVTOL operations in major urban markets.
I also lead on power system and charging infrastructure design conceptualisation and approvals, overseeing the process from permitting through to construction, installation, and commissioning.
Day to day, I’m working closely with grid operators, aircraft OEMs, and government agencies to align technical solutions with regulatory frameworks. Once we’re operational, I’ll then be reviewing the performance and efficiency of the eVTOL charging GSE, monitoring asset utilisation and scaling up plans as demand grows.
- What are some of the key challenges?
We typically build in busy urban locations where passenger demand is high, but power availability is constrained – especially when integrating into third party operational sites. Scaling power to meet throughput requirements without excessive cost is a constant challenge.
Fast battery charging and battery cooling systems also require large components positioned close to the airfield, which is difficult on sites that are already fully developed and space is limited.
Despite these challenges, we remain on track to deliver on electrification across 6–7 vertiports globally, securing more than 10 MW of combined grid and microgrid capacity by the end of 2026.
- We’re aircraft agnostic at Skyports – how does that affect your work?
Each OEM is certifying aircraft with a charging system that is either acquired or built in-house, but common elements include high power charging cabinets, extended DC cables, and a battery cooling system.
What differs is dispenser configuration and charging standards. We safeguard power and space for current front running GSE systems such as BETA’s Charge Cube and Joby’s GEACS, encourage consolidation of common elements to reduce footprint, and continue to explore multi operational dispensers despite IP barriers.
Ultimately, industry success will depend on frictionless access to landing sites with fast charging, so we’re working as best we can to provide a service that works for everyone.
- You’re overseeing the electrification of new vertiports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and RAK. How does electrification impact the design and layout of these vertiports?
The footprint for power, charging GSE, and fire response is one of the largest design components of a vertiport – it must integrate seamlessly with airfield safety zones, aircraft flight clearance, terminal space, and passenger flow.
Power equipment placement is also tightly regulated. Substations, for example, require prime onsite locations with direct street access.
A key design choice has been creating a naturally ventilated area beneath the FATO, which accommodates both for wake turbulence mitigation and as an ideal location for charging equipment, being close to the aircraft.
- A big project currently underway is electrifying Downtown Skyport in NYC. Talk us through what we’re doing there, and some of the nuances of adapting existing infrastructure.
This is one of the most complex sites to electrify. It’s located on a pier over water, with a requirement to maintain unobstructed airspace. Power consumption is also costly, and tightly regulated.
That said, the site is highly attractive to eVTOL operators, and we’re deploying charging GSE to serve multiple parties under rigorous permitting requirements. In anticipation it’s a pretty big fit out – the city has mandated installation of at least six chargers across existing stands to support agnostic eVTOL operations, with a plan in place to scale as eVTOL use increases.
- Are there any particular safety concerns you have to take into account with installing high load charging infrastructure?
Aviation operates under strict safety protocols, and airside charging systems are certified to meet these standards. We adopt all regional EV charging safety codes and train vertiport operators to handle equipment safely while keeping passengers clear of GSE. Our systems are also digitally integrated so charging cannot begin until all connections, interlocks, and battery health checks are verified.
- The AAM market and aircraft capabilities are continually evolving. How do you futureproof the charging infrastructure we’re installing?
So we’re integrating the OEM approved chargers currently available whilst working towards operator agnostic solutions.
Location is key – once vertiports are established, the market needs to adapt to the infrastructure in place. Wholesale changes are not feasible given equipment and power costs – our focus is on lowering capex and opex to make these services affordable for mass adoption.
- How do you see charging infrastructure evolving, and what do you think will be the next big innovation?
Charging infrastructure will continue to follow the broader trajectory of technological development by becoming more efficient, compact, and reliable over time.
That said, today’s systems are already engineered to deliver the required battery top up within the standard rotorcraft turnaround window – enabling the aircraft to safely reach operational battery capacity without extending ground time.
The real breakthroughs will come from advances in battery technology rather than charging hardware. Improvements in energy density and safety will allow aircraft to achieve the same range with less required power, or gain additional range using the same full-power charge delivered during turnaround.
It’s an exciting time to be working with such cutting edge technology, and working in lockstep with the eVTOL OEMs to help bring the AAM vision to commercial reality.
