Soaring to New Heights: Airspeeder's Innovative Vertiport Design Revolutionizes Flying Car Racing

Airspeeder, the nascent eVTOL "flying car" racing league, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with renowned architecture firm HOK to introduce the "SkyDeck" – the world's first modular race vertiport. This solar-powered hub will offer fans a 360-degree immersive experience, redefining the future of motorsports.

Elevating the Spectator Experience in the Aerial Age

Pioneering a New Sports Typology

Airspeeder, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) racing league headquartered in London, has been making waves since its inception in November 2021. As an entity of Alauda Aeronautics, an electric aviation company based in Adelaide, Australia, Airspeeder has been at the forefront of designing, engineering, and building the league's dedicated eVTOL racing aircraft, known as "Airspeeders."Since its launch, Airspeeder has assembled a team of skilled racers who have competed in development races, paving the way for the highly anticipated EXA Series – a global competition that showcased the excitement of eVTOL racing for the first time in the fall of 2022. During these initial events, Airspeeder pilots, such as Zephatali Walsh, who went on to win the inaugural EXA Series Championship in December 2023, competed remotely from the ground.However, Airspeeder's ultimate goal has always been to deliver crewed "flying car" races, which will become a reality with the unveiling of the Mk4 eVTOLs in early February.

Designing the Future of Motorsports

To further enhance the spectator experience and integrate cutting-edge technology into this unique motorsport, Airspeeder has collaborated with the renowned architecture firm HOK. Together, they have designed the innovative "SkyDeck" – a modular vertiport and event space that will revolutionize the way fans engage with eVTOL racing.HOK, known for its expertise in developing and building iconic projects like LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B in New York City, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, has brought its wealth of experience to this groundbreaking collaboration.According to John Rhodes, the director of Sports + Entertainment at HOK, the challenge of designing a "brand new sports typology" for Airspeeder has been incredibly exciting. "We were tasked with drawing on our decades of expertise designing for F1 and other sporting events while also imagining a physical environment for the future," he explained.

The SkyDeck: A Sustainable, Immersive Vertiport

The result of this collaboration is the SkyDeck – a fully modular, 100% solar-powered eVTOL vertiport that will serve as the centerpiece of Airspeeder's "leave no trace" philosophy of sustainability in motorsports. The initial design of the SkyDeck can accommodate up to 10 teams and 20 Airspeeders, with the flexibility to expand as the sport continues to grow.The unique vertical layout of the SkyDeck allows spectators to enjoy a 360-degree immersive experience, with the ability to observe the race grid and finish line from a single vantage point directly beneath the airborne racetrack. This innovative design not only enhances the fan experience but also addresses the unique challenges of hosting flying car races.Furthermore, the SkyDeck features an "airside" zone, where teams have protected workspaces that fans can observe, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the action. These zones also include retractable landing pads for mid-race battery swaps, ensuring the seamless flow of the competition.

Advancing the Future of Mobility

Airspeeder's collaboration with HOK represents more than just the creation of a new sport; it is a testament to the future of high-speed, sustainable mobility. As Stephen Sidlo, Airspeeder's global media and marketing director, eloquently stated, "We believe that flying car racing will initiate a new mobility revolution, advancing eVTOL and EV technology to benefit the entire industry."The SkyDeck, which will be erected in the desert of Australia, is a first-of-its-kind approach that combines cutting-edge design with interactive digital experiences, offering fans an unparalleled glimpse into the future of motorsports.Airspeeder is poised to continue its EXA flying car race series with 10 crewed teams in 2025, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the world of eVTOL racing. The SkyDeck, with its innovative design and immersive spectator experience, is set to elevate the sport to new heights, captivating audiences and driving the evolution of sustainable mobility.