Job Title: Vertiport Planning Lead
Location: London, UK
Department: Planning, Infrastructure
Type: Permanent, Full Time
About Us:
Founded in 2018, Skyports is at the forefront of the Advanced Air Mobility revolution, developing and operating cutting-edge infrastructure for electric air taxis and leveraging drone technology to transform business operations across industries.
Our business is split into two key areas:
- Skyports Drone Services uses drones to streamline logistics, capture data, and enhance operational efficiency, with a focus on rural deliveries, surveying, surveillance, and maritime services.
- Skyports Infrastructure plays a vital role in the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem, designing, building, owning, and operating vertiports that enable eVTOL operators to take off and land in cities around the world.
With our presence in this dynamic, high-growth industry, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of our mission to reshape the future of air mobility.
The Role:
Skyports is looking for an Airport/Vertiport Planning Lead who can fulfil several functions when it comes to planning and designing our vertiport networks in various regions where we are actively pursuing projects. The successful candidate and their team will lead the production of technical drawings and documents for vertiport identification, site acquisition, planning and design of all aspects of our next generation eVTOL infrastructure, as well as help develop critical intellectual property for the company.
You will lead a team of highly motived senior vertiport planners who may be working across various regions globally. You will work closely with site acquisition managers and regional leads on vertiport projects, as well as assist the wider vertiport infrastructure team to help define and create Skyports’ core technical product. You will be a key member of a team that will design and define a pathway to operate the world’s first commercial network of passenger vertiports.
This role is perfect for the motivated candidate that wants to be a trailblazer in an emerging transportation industry. The ideal candidate will be a hardworking, flexible and ambitious person with a strong desire to innovate and learn. We need someone who can help us accomplish hard goals without an instruction manual. Creativity and thinking outside the box are applauded at Skyports.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the strategic planning and execution of aviation activities for vertiport design, layout, and development on a global scale.
- Lead and oversee all aspects of vertiport and airport planning, including landside, terminal, airfield, and airspace disciplines. Conduct comprehensive site feasibility assessments to determine the suitability of potential vertiport location.
- Ensure thorough airspace due diligence, conduct OLS studies, and engage with relevant authorities to ensure integration within existing airspace.
- Collaborate with the wider Skyports Infrastructure team to co-lead the development and implementation of end-to-end infrastructure solutions for the AAM industry.
- Represent Skyports at the highest levels, engaging with senior representatives of regulators, government bodies, customers, suppliers, and the press to advocate for and advance our strategic objectives.
- Demonstrate exceptional organizational acumen by identifying and maintaining focus on key success factors across the vertiport product spectrum.
- Exhibit strong leadership and influence, guiding both local and global team members in an international environment to achieve our strategic goals.
About You:
- Technical Expertise: Solid understanding of heliport and airport planning principles, including architecture and infrastructure design.
- Operational Knowledge: Familiarity with airport planning processes, airspace structures, and operational procedures, including their regulatory and practical complexities.
- Industry Awareness: Knowledge of aviation industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and international best practices.
- Design Proficiency: Skilled in using design tools such as AutoCAD to produce a range of deliverables—from technical schematics to conceptual visuals and business development presentations. Experience with 3D modelling software (e.g., SketchUp, Rhino, Revit) is highly desirable.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret and apply guidance from various international planning manuals, design codes, and regulatory standards.
- Concept Development: Capable of evolving a basic idea into a robust, high-fidelity design or concept plan.
- Communication Skills: Excellent command of English, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly in both written and visual formats.
- Global Mindset: Willingness to work flexible hours to support international projects across multiple time zones. Mobility: Ability and readiness to travel for site visits, stakeholder meetings, and project delivery as required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aviation or a transportation related field.
Experience:
- 5-8 years of experience in Aviation industry, with specific focus on design, planning and/or operations.
- At least 2 years in a team management role within the Aviation sector.
- Proven track record of managing teams – both in person and remote.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to work in an innovative and growing industry.
- A collaborative and dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional development.
- Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.
How to Apply:
If you’re passionate about the future of aviation and keen to be part of a pioneering company that is changing the future of transportation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re a great fit for this role.
Skyports is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.