How to use the scorecard 1. Assign scores: For each criterion, rate the proposed vertiport location on a scale of one to five. 2. Calculate weighted scores: Multiply the score by the corresponding weight for urban or rural settings.3. Sum weighted scores: Add the weighted scores across all criteria to get a total score for both urban and rural contexts. 4. Comparison: Use the total weighted score to compare different locations, prioritizing those with the highest scores for vertiport development. 4-V vertiport topology: four topological configurations BOX 1 Depending on volume needs, a 4-V (verge, vantage, vista and vertex) configuration system should be considered for vertiport topologies. These configurations are designed to accommodate different capacity requirements, available space, maintenance levels and operational needs. They are adaptable and can be expanded based on local decision criteria, ensuring flexibility in urban and rural settings. Verge The verge configuration is suited for small-scale operations and is ideal for urban or regional nodes with space constraints. It can be used for rooftop vertiports or emergency landing sites. Verge configurations can also support drone operations for medical or emergency supply deliveries. This setup is optimal for tertiary nodes in an aerial or multimodal transport network. Application: Urban or regional locations, emergency services, small-scale operations Function: STOL and VTOL operations with basic passenger amenities and limited maintenance Vantage The vantage configuration is designed for medium-scale operations, offering enhanced facilities and the ability to handle more flights per hour. It is well-suited for regional hubs, particularly at transport interchanges such as bus or railway stations, where multimodal transfers are common. Vantage configurations provide expanded maintenance and passenger amenities, making them ideal for heavier cargo and medical transport. Application: Regional nodes, multimodal transport hubs Function: Supports higher flight frequency and offers expanded fuelling, maintenance and passenger servicesVista The vista configuration is the largest and most capable, designed for high-volume, large-scale commercial operations. It is ideal for integration with airports or as standalone hubs on major transit routes. Vista vertiports can accommodate a high number of flights per hour and offer advanced amenities, making them suited for air taxi services, heavy cargo transport and large-scale commercial operations. These hubs also allow for extensive aircraft servicing and maintenance. Application: Airport hubs, busy urban or regional corridors Function: Capable of handling high- volume traffic with advanced passenger and aircraft maintenance services Vertex Further, a minimalist configuration may be considered for locations where electrification is not feasible or required. It is primarily suited for low-demand areas, emergency landings or temporary operations. This can serve as a basic landing and take-off site, offering minimal infrastructure and services, making it ideal for remote or rural locations where power and facilities are limited. Application: Remote or rural areas, emergency landing sites, temporary setups Function: Supports basic VTOL operations without the need for charging or electrical infrastructure – suitable for drones, non-electric aircraft or emergency use cases, with minimal passenger and maintenance services. Skyways to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Air Mobility in India 15

Skyways to the Future 2024