AASHTO Journal - Utah DOT Hosts State's First Vertiport Demonstration

The Utah Department of Transportation, in collaboration with Utah State University or USU, recently conducted a successful test of the state’s first air taxi launch from a “vertiport” using a Bell 505 Helicopter.

[Above photo by Utah DOT]

A “vertiport” is a defined area used for aircraft that will carry packages and people in the future. They can be located in places such as parking lots, the tops of office buildings, airports, and industrial complexes.

The agency said this demonstration showcased how aircraft can take off and land near homes and businesses with minimal impacts.

“The successful launch of a simulated air taxi from a vertiport gives us a sneak peek at our future,” said Paul Damron, Utah DOT’s advanced air mobility manager, in a statement.

“We plan to create a well-functioning transportation system in the air that connects safely and seamlessly with the transportation system on the ground,” he added. “This vertiport demonstration shows how the integration can be done well.”

Damon noted this demonstration represents the culmination of years of in-depth research to identify suitable locations for vertiports along the Wasatch Front.

“Our main objective was to identify locations for air taxis and air package delivery that minimize impacts to homes and businesses while balancing safety and opportunity,” said Dr. Brent Chamberlain, USU associate professor in landscape architecture and environmental planning.

“We determined there are many places of optimal vertiport sites in the region that could fit nicely into the local community fabric, supporting commerce and essential services,” he noted.

In his fiscal year 2025 budget, Governor Spencer Cox (R) identified $1.9 million in state funding for aerial transportation investments and the Utah legislature funded the request. Utah DOT, in close collaboration with public and private-sector partners, is developing a regulatory sandbox to test advanced air mobility technologies statewide.

“Cutting-edge technologies such as air taxis and package delivery will make all of our lives better,” explained Matt Maass, Utah DOT’s aeronautics director.

“Utah DOT is known nationally for our ability to move bridges into place overnight and deliver complex infrastructure projects ahead of schedule and under budget,” he said. “With this demonstration, we are leading yet another innovation that brings us one step closer to creating an aerial transportation system all Utahns can enjoy.”