Some news announced during the event.
Posted at 6:00 a.m.
Vertiports: a network of at least 150 million
VPorts has begun to give an idea of the sums needed to launch its Quebec project for a network of vertiports intended to accommodate electric vertical take-off (eVTOL) aircraft. Its president and chief executive, Fethi Chebil, estimates the needs for the first phase of his project at 150 million. It is still unclear where the money will come from at this time. The Press had revealed, on August 23, that VPorts could solicit the Quebec state up to 350 million. The company intends to target the medical and freight transport niches. Its helipads should not be in dense urban areas.
Ricardo expands to Montreal
Strategy, environmental and engineering consulting firm Ricardo will open an aerospace center of excellence in Montreal that will house approximately 25 engineers. The firm wants to focus on decarbonizing the transport sector. The announcement was confirmed at the International Aerospace Innovation Forum. Last July, Ricardo entered into a multi-year agreement with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada to support its efforts in hybrid propulsion. Ricardo has more than 3,000 employees in some twenty countries.
A regional alliance for Aéro Montréal
Aéro Montréal, the Ohio Aerospace Institute and the Binational Council for the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) will join forces to create the Great Lakes Aerospace Technology Alliance. The goal of this common front is to accelerate collaboration in research and development, manufacturing, systems, simulation and design. The Alliance encompasses Quebec, Ontario and eight American states, from New York to Minnesota.