Vertiports in German Cities: Guidelines for Safe and Integrated UAM Infrastructure

Background and Project Context 

As Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) continues to evolve and electrically powered vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) move closer to commercial operations, attention is increasingly focused on how this new form of urban mobility can be integrated safely and efficiently into existing transportation and urban systems. Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, a project study conducted by airsight and amd.sigma provides a comprehensive foundation for this transition. Consisting of a 192-page final report and an accompanying guide for municipalities, the study consolidates technical, regulatory, urban-planning and operational requirements into a coherent framework. While the report offers detailed technical analysis, the guide translates these findings into practical recommendations for planning and approval processes.

Challenge and Objectives 

The study focuses on piloted VFR operations using eVTOL aircraft certified in EASA’s Enhanced category and intended for commercial passenger transport over densely populated areas. Its primary objective is to develop a manufacturer-neutral set of requirements that supports municipalities and operators in determining vertiport dimensions, site selection criteria, approval requirements and operational concepts. The study also considers key aspects such as safety, security, cybersecurity, obstacle management, as well as terminal and charging infrastructure requirements.

airsight’s Approach: Methodology and Technical Framework 

The study combines four methodological pillars: international standards, including EASA’s Prototype Technical Specifications for the Design of VFR Vertiports (PTS-VPT-DSN)¹ and the FAA’s Engineering Brief 105A Vertiport Design²; expert interviews including OEM feedback; urban-planning analyses at both macro and micro levels; and a matrix-based site assessment using representative case studies. 

This systematic approach differentiates between no-go criteria, critical criteria and influenceable criteria, enabling transparent and evidence-based site recommendations. Additional topics addressed include rotor downwash, terminal design, battery charging processes, and rescue and firefighting requirements.

The study describes airspace integration as a gradual transition towards increasingly digitalised procedures, including U-space services, e-conspicuity and dynamic airspace configuration. One of the key remaining gaps is the absence of national Concepts of Operations (ConOps) that effectively connect urban requirements with existing Air Traffic Management (ATM) interfaces.

Key Findings and Value for Municipalities 

As part of the site assessment, the study compares a range of urban location types. Multi-storey car park rooftops frequently demonstrate significant advantages, including existing access infrastructure, sufficient load-bearing capacity and synergies with mobility hubs. However, site suitability remains highly location-specific and depends on factors such as noise exposure, accessibility and operating hours. The study clearly positions AAM as a complement to public transport rather than a competing mode of transport.

From an approval perspective, the study recommends parallel approval procedures, early scoping activities and structured stakeholder engagement. Environmental considerations, noise impacts, obstacle clearance and, in particular, public acceptance are identified as critical success factors. A case study conducted in Ingolstadt demonstrates the practical application of the evaluation matrix, with hypothetical vertiport locations at the Volksfestplatz and within the IN-Campus both achieving favourable results during the preliminary assessment.

Ultimately, the study delivers not only robust technical foundations and clear performance drivers for future vertiports, but also a practical framework for municipalities seeking to explore AAM infrastructure at an early stage. The accompanying guide provides directly applicable support, helping cities navigate site selection, approval procedures and stakeholder coordination in a structured manner. The next step is to validate the developed criteria within real-world planning environments, further assess pilot locations and progressively incorporate the resulting insights into national regulations and future operational Concepts of Operations (ConOps).

Together with amd.sigma, airsight has summarised the study's findings in a practical guide, available here. If you would like to request the full feasibility study, please get in touch via our contact form.

Download Practical Guide    Request full study

_References 

_{1. European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Prototype Technical Specification for the Design of VFR Vertiports for Operation with Manned VTOL-Capable Aircraft Certified in the Enhanced Category (PTS-VPT-DSN), March 2022.} 

_{2. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Engineering Brief 105A: Vertiport Design, Supplemental Guidance to Advisory Circular 150/5390-2D, Heliport Design, December 2024.}