Design and implementation of a vertiport network at the Barcelona metropolitan area and feasibility study as an addition to the TMB public transport network

Abstract

This thesis investigates the design, implementation, and feasibility of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vertiport network in the Barcelona metropolitan area, integrated as an extension of the TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) public transport system. The primary objective is to evaluate whether autonomous two-seat EHang EH216 aircraft can serve as a reliable, low-emission, time-saving urban mobility option for international tourists, while complementing existing ground-based services. To reach this goal, first an overview of urban air mobility state of the art is done, touching upon the legal framework, vertiport structure and eVTOL models. Afterwards the traffic of the Barcelona metropolitan area is analyzed to determine suitable locations for a vertiport network as well as which niche it fits. Finally, once the locations are found, demand and vertiport economic viability are studied, in addition to figuring out its deseign and integration with the TMB system. In the end, a vertiport network centered in Pla¸ca Catalunya reaching out to the tourist-heavy areas of Parc G¨uell, Barceloneta and Sagrada Familia is determined to be the way forward. Studying the expected demand of Pla¸ca Catalunya, a suitable design was proposed and its costs and revenues were determined. Extrapolating the results to the surrounding vertiports, the profitability of the entire network was studied and deemed to be profitable in the long term. An additional economic study was done to find business strength and weaknesses and potential demand stimulating strategies to finally confirm vertiport feasibility.