Urban-Air Port and Hangzhou Starports Tech Announce Transformative Partnership to Lead Vertiport Development in China’s $1 Trillion Low Altitude Economy
Haixinsha Vertiport, in Guangzhou China modelled on Urban-Air Port’s Air-One designed and built in record time.
Hong Kong, China – November 17, 2025 – Urban-Air Port Limited (UAP), the global pioneer in vertiport infrastructure design and development, and Hangzhou Starports Tech (Starports), a leading Chinese innovator in vertiport manufacturing and operations, are thrilled to announce a landmark partnership to develop vertiport infrastructure across China, the world’s largest and fastest-growing market for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The first milestone marking the new partnership will be the joint design and delivery of UAP’s AirOne vertiport model in Qingdao, Hangzhou & Hainan China.
Unveiled by Andrea Wu, CEO of Urban-Air Port, at the Asia-Pacific Low Altitude Economy and Advanced Air Mobility Conference (ALMAC) at the Hong Kong Convention Centre, this collaboration positions UAP and Starports to shape the global Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) revolution by capitalising on China’s Low Altitude Economy (LAE), estimated to be a $1 trillion total addressable market by 2030, encompassing both passenger transport and cargo logistics.
Andrea Wu and Ricky Sandhu from Urban-Air Port with Haoran Dong Co-Foudner of Startports
China’s Low Altitude Economy is set to redefine urban aerial transportation, with projections indicating the need for thousands of vertiports over the next decade to support eVTOL air taxis and autonomous delivery drones for passenger and logistics applications. Chinese OEMs, including EHang, AutoFlight, Vertaxi, XPeng AeroHT, Volant Aerotech, TCab Tech, and Aerofugia, have collectively logged over 100,000 flight hours and 2.5 million miles, outpacing any U.S. OEM and cementing China’s leadership in AAM. This partnership enables Urban-Air Port to directly influence and participate in this dynamic market, setting global standards for vertiport infrastructure that supports both urban passenger mobility and the rapidly growing cargo logistics sector.
Haixinsha Vertiport, in Guangzhou China recently opened, modelled on Urban-Air Port’s Air-One built in record time.
Under the Letter of Intent (LOI), Urban-Air Port will deploy its award-winning Air-One modular and scalable vertiport technology to design and deliver compact, efficient vertiport solutions tailored to China’s regulatory and environmental requirements. These vertiports will support autonomous cargo drones and passenger air taxis, addressing the diverse needs of urban connectivity and logistics. Starports, headquartered in Shanghai with operations in Hangzhou and manufacturing facilities in Zhejiang, will serve as UAP’s exclusive development partner in China, marketing and promoting UAP’s vertiport solutions to secure projects. Starports will also provide local design, engineering, and manufacturing support, leveraging its facilities to fabricate and install vertiports, reducing costs and enhancing scalability. Starports’ proprietary heliport/vertiport automation management system will be offered as a first-option solution to optimise operational efficiency for both passenger and cargo operations.
“This partnership with Starports is a game-changer for Urban-Air Port and the global AAM industry.
China’s Low Altitude Economy, with a total addressable market of $1 trillion by 2030, is leading the world in eVTOL adoption. By collaborating with Starports, we are not only entering the largest market for vertiports but also shaping the future of urban air mobility and cargo logistics globally.
Our Air-One vertiports, combined with Starports’ local expertise and manufacturing capabilities, will deliver sustainable, efficient infrastructure to meet China’s ambitious goals.”
The collaboration will focus on key activities, including the joint design and engineering of vertiports for high-profile locations such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wuxi, Guangzhou, and Zigong (Chengdu). Starports will work closely with UAP to ensure compliance with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and other regulatory bodies, while also exploring opportunities to export UAP’s vertiport solutions to other Asia-Pacific markets and beyond. Initial projects will target scenic areas in Guangdong Province, where Starports plans to deploy dozens of vertiports modelled after UAP’s Air-One design, ideal for tourism, urban connectivity, and cargo logistics applications such as last-mile delivery.
Air-One Coventry, UK built in 2022 set the rule book for ultra compact vertiports
“Partnering with Urban-Air Port enables us to combine our operational and manufacturing strengths with UAP’s cutting-edge vertiport technology.
This collaboration will accelerate vertiport deployment across China, supporting the nation’s vision for a Low Altitude Economy that integrates passenger and cargo solutions.
Together, we will deliver innovative infrastructure that sets a global benchmark for AAM and logistics.”
Air-One Coventry, UK built in 2022 by Urban-Air Port showcasing integrated stands, hangar, MRO, passenger lounges including the UAP cafe, cargo processing centre, command and control and Vertical Airfield FATO system.
The partnership includes joint marketing efforts, technical knowledge sharing, and for Starports to recommend UAP to Chinese investors and stakeholders to fulfil the demand to meet LAE expectations. By leveraging agreements with leading Chinese eVTOL manufacturers like EHang and AutoFlight, as well as real-estate developers, the collaboration aims to ensure seamless integration of vertiport infrastructure with operational eVTOL fleets for both passenger and cargo applications.
ALMAC at the Hong Kong Convention Centre provides the perfect platform to unveil this industry-defining partnership, uniting global stakeholders to explore the future of air mobility and logistics.
Urban-Air Port and Starports invite partners, investors, and media to join them in celebrating this milestone and exploring the transformative potential of their collaboration in China and beyond.
About Urban-Air Port
Aviation & Defence Technology | World’s most advanced, patented infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility
Urban-Air Port is a cutting-edge aerospace, robotics, and air mobility platform driving 21st-century defence and aerospace innovation. Harnessing decades of expertise in drones, aviation, and infrastructure, it delivers unmatched solutions for global defence and aerospace markets.
Its defence-focused Pandora suit of products, unveiled at DSEI 9-12th September 2025, offers covert, portable, and automated infrastructure to support tactical frontline operations. Designed to counter aerial surveillance and strikes, it enables small units to execute complex missions with enhanced tempo and resilience.
An award-winning leader in infrastructure, Urban-Air Port develops compact landing and charging systems for sustainable air transport, including passenger and cargo VTOL air taxis and autonomous drones for civilian and defence use. Its mission is to electrify aviation by overcoming ground infrastructure limitations, creating a zero-emission ecosystem that slashes congestion and pollution in passenger, cargo, and defence transport.
Recognised as a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility, Urban-Air Port’s patented vertiport technology delivers ultra-compact, high-capacity infrastructure, transforming cities into connected, cleaner hubs for a green economic future. Its solutions are optimised for electric and hybrid VTOL aircraft, ensuring safer, quieter, and more sustainable operations compared to competitors.
The “Vertical Airfield” technology compacts conventional airfields, enabling safe electric vertical take-off and landing at height, akin to an aircraft carrier. Urban-Air Port’s vertiports are 80% smaller than alternatives, featuring modular designs for scalable expansion, maximised eVTOL throughput, and integrated energy storage for superior performance and passenger experience.
The Air-One project in Coventry, launched in April 2022 with UK Government Research and Innovation funding, marked the world’s first fully operational vertiport in a dense urban setting. It hosted over 15,000 visitors and 150 successful flights within Coventry’s complex urban airspace and airport restriction zone.
Backed by global partners like Supernal (Hyundai Motor Group) and Directors of M7 Real Estate (Oxford Properties), Urban-Air Port’s team of aeronautical engineers and aerospace experts brings experience from Airbus, Foster + Partners, Arup, BAA, McKinsey, Hyundai, Vertical Aerospace, EASA, NATS, Qatar Airways, Anduril and elite military units like US Special Forces and the British Army.
Visit www.urbanairport.com for more information and follow us on LinkedIn.
Media enquiries: press@urbanairport.com
About Hangzhou Starports Tech
Hangzhou Starports Tech (Starports) is a leading Chinese company focused on vertiport design, manufacturing, and operations. Headquartered in Shanghai, with operations in Hangzhou and manufacturing facilities in Zhejiang, Starports is driving the development of China’s Low Altitude Economy through innovative vertiport solutions for passenger and cargo applications.
Contact Hangzhou Starports Tech
Email: hongfei_zhang@163.com
Phone: +86 190-5726-5936 / 189-5325-1213
