Final Call: Submission of Proposals for ANAC’s Regulatory Sandbox for Vertiports Closes on October 3, 2024. Â
By De Luca Derenusson Schuttoff Advogados
With Eve Air Mobility (“EVEâ€), a Brazilian subsidiary of Embraer, expected to begin operations in 2026, the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (“ANACâ€) is focused on developing and implementing the necessary regulations for the operation of eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles) in Brazil. Alongside EVE, other established aerospace manufacturers such as Airbus (EU), Boeing (USA), EHang (China), and Hyundai (South Korea), as well as startups like Lilium Air Mobility and Joby Aviation (USA), are advancing their prototypes to advanced stages of development.
eVTOLs, often referred to as “flying cars,” are anticipated to mark a significant disruption and transformation in urban mobility. Such vehicles are set to revolutionize vertical transportation of people, goods, and cargo over short distances, both within major urban centers and between neighboring cities. We believe that eVTOLs have the potential to profoundly impact the logistics of e-commerce.
In this context, there is a growing need to integrate vertiports into major metropolises—facilities designed for the vertical takeoff and landing operations of eVTOLs. To support the development of this emerging ecosystem, ANAC has launched Public Notice No. 22/ANAC/2024, establishing a selection process for projects aimed at implementing vertiports within a regulatory sandbox environment.
Regulatory Sandbox Rules:
ANAC’s regulatory sandbox seeks projects that can address, and mature various challenges related to vertiport operations. Key challenges identified include:
(a) Geometry and Layout of Landing and Takeoff Areas: Developing efficient designs for operational areas that meet operational and safety requirements.
(b) Prediction of Final Approach and Takeoff Trajectories: Defining and managing routes to ensure safe and efficient operations.
(c) Support Capacity of Physical Infrastructure: Evaluating and enhancing the robustness of infrastructure to support eVTOL operations.
(d) Appropriate Firefighting Systems: Implementing effective systems for fire prevention and emergency response.
(e) Physical Space for Maintenance, Repair, and Support Services: Providing adequate areas for aircraft maintenance and support.
(f) Appropriate Access Control (Facilitation and Security): Establishing access controls to ensure security and operational efficiency.
(g) Aviation Noise Requirements: Managing noise levels generated by eVTOLs to minimize environmental and urban impacts.
(h) Infrastructure Sharing: Managing the shared use of parking, landing, takeoff areas, and taxiways to optimize operations and reduce congestion.
Interested parties must submit their proposals exclusively via an electronic form available on a website created by ANAC for this purpose. The submission deadline is October 3, 2024. Proposals should include a detailed timeline for implementing the proposed solution.
For selection, ANAC will use technical expertise and the level of development of the proposed solutions as the primary criteria, along with other criteria specified in the notice. The evaluation results will be announced by January 31, 2025.
Proposal Requirements:
The proposal must include all of the following items for proper evaluation:
(a) Legal Entity Identification: Complete company details, including business name, address, phone number, CNPJ (taxpayer) number before the Federal Revenue of Brazil, legal representative, and other relevant data.
(b) Demonstration of Technical Capability: Evidence of the technical capability required to develop the intended activity within the regulatory sandbox.
(c) Description of the Proposed Solution: Clear detailing of the proposal’s scope, including objectives, stages, and use of available resources for solution execution.
(d) Development Stage of the Proposed Solution: Specification of objectives and goals to be achieved, as well as expected outcomes in the development of the solution.
(e) Business Model of the Solution: Information about the development stage, scope, viability, and maturity of the solution’s business model.
(f) Timeline: Detailed plan for the implementation of the proposed solution.
Vertiport Infrastructure:
Globally, the industry has suggested that, especially in the initial context, vertiports be adapted to existing and available spaces, such as rooftops, train stations, and parking lots, among others.
Vertiports can be classified into different types based on their characteristics and location:
(i) Type of Installation:
- Elevated: Facilities situated above existing buildings, such as rooftops of buildings and shopping centers.
- Ground-Level: Facilities located directly at ground level, in the area where they are situated.
(ii) Type of Operation:
- Central: Larger vertiports that function as regional terminals, with significant capacity for aircraft parking, maintenance, and recharging.
- Satellite: Smaller vertiports distributed throughout urban centers, such as atop corporate towers. These are equipped with minimal necessities for support and security, providing greater coverage for the eVTOL network.
Key Challenges:
Projects submitted for ANAC’s experimental environment must address the accommodation of support and refueling facilities, adhering to best safety practices for eVTOL operations, which will use electric or at least hybrid propulsion.
A significant challenge for proponents is the adaptation of parking positions and areas dedicated to takeoff and landing, especially compared to current heliport infrastructure. Considering the anticipated large fleet and high volume of eVTOL traffic, it is crucial that proposals address these needs.
Additionally, it is expected that projects developed within the regulatory sandbox will assist ANAC in consolidating parameters for the sizing of landing and approach areas.
Future Perspectives:
Even before the commercial availability and regulation of eVTOLs in Brazil and other global markets, announcements like Uber’s intention to use these aircraft for passenger transport via an app-based model have emerged.
In this context, the greatest challenge for ANAC and regulatory authorities worldwide, following the regulation of safety, operational, and manufacturing requirements for new equipment and infrastructure, will be the regulation of air traffic management systems for the anticipated eVTOL fleet.
