Noisy choppers to depart the Melbourne CBD as company prepares for electric air taxis

The days of noisy choppers in the Melbourne CBD are numbered, with a course set for a fleet of quieter electric air taxis to service tourists.

The operator of the Melbourne heliport on the Yarra River is calling time on running tourism helicopters from the CBD site, and is preparing for a fleet of electric air taxis.

Microflite Aviation says the new electric craft are quieter and suitable for short-range and charter flights.

The company said it hoped air taxis would fly from a new “vertiport’’, located at the site of the current CBD helipad at Batman Park.

Render of the proposed vertiport at Batman Park, Melbourne. Image: Contreras Earl Architecture and Pascall+Watson

Microflite chief operating officer Rodney Higgins said the company had been tracking the development of electric air taxi prototypes in recent years.

“It appears clear that the frontrunners will be available for commercial operations soon”, he said.

“It looks like it could happen in the next three years.’’

The change would mean the end for the current helicopters which are noisy and often trigger complaints from CBD residents.

The latest move follows the application in August by Californian company Joby Aviation for its electric aircraft to be certified for use in Australia. Its craft can carry a pilot and four people, travelling at speeds of up to 320kmh.

Microflite and Melbourne-based Skyportz want to create a vertiport transport hub at the Batman Park heliport.

Rodney Higgins says Microflite Helicopter Services is preparing for electric air taxis.

Skyportz has released concept designs for a multi-modal hub which could also service ferries and hire boats.

Skyportz chief executive Clem Newton-Brown, who was Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne in 1999, said he wanted to work with the city council, CASA and the state to create one of the world’s first vertiports.

Melbourne had so far “dropped the ball” with looking ahead to new modes of air transport, he said.

“The Brisbane Mayor has been a vocal supporter of bringing air taxis to South East Queensland,’’ Mr Newton-Brown said.

The state government has announced its Advanced Air Mobility Action Plan, while CASA has released vertiport guidelines to encourage landing sites.

Mr Newton-Brown said the Yarra vertiport could be just the first, with others potentially at Fishermans Bend, the ports, Southern Cross station and even the city’s sports precinct.

Any Batman Park heliport could clash with the Greenline project’s plans for a River Park Precinct at the site.

Joby Aviation electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece, who has backed his predeccesor Sally Capp’s Greenline vision described the vertiport as “an interesting idea that could be a real boon for Melbourne’’.

“But it is something that needs significant work before it is ready for take off, such as regulatory approvals by federal authorities, as well as ensuring it can integrate seamlessly into the work we are doing around the city.’’

While the council has previously shown little interest in the project, two lord mayoral candidates expressed their support.

Skyportz’s plans for a vertiport on the north bank of the Yarra River at Batman Park. Picture: Contreras Earl and Pascall+Watson

In a statement, Anthony Koutoufides’s Team Kouta said it backed the development of advanced air mobility and would seek to deliver a pilot program.

“Electric air-taxis will dramatically reduce the noise pollution from the Yarra River Northbank helipads. Ultimately, these vehicles can reduce traffic congestion and pollution in our city,’’ the statement said.

Independent candidate Arron Wood said, if elected, he would sit down with businesses looking to invest and expand in the City of Melbourne.

“Because our economy needs every dollar and job right now,” he said.