The Open Skies Network has entered into a strategic partnership with ASONE Park to transform the St Merryn Aerodrome in north Cornwall into a premier center for next-generation flight technologies. This collaboration aims to establish the first dedicated DronePort and aviation campus in England, designed specifically to support the testing and operational integration of advanced mobility aircraft. The facility will cater to a wide range of innovative platforms, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) models. By providing a controlled environment for high-level technical evaluations, the site will facilitate the development of essential services such as medical logistics, search and rescue operations, and environmental monitoring.
In addition to its role as a research and development hub, the new campus is intended to create a seamless operational environment where traditional aviation and emerging technologies can coexist safely. The initiative leverages Cornwall’s existing aerospace infrastructure, complementing nearby spaceport and airport clusters while expanding the region’s capacity for complex flight trials. This includes the implementation of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities and the establishment of specialized air corridors to connect remote communities. Ultimately, the project seeks to drive economic growth and job creation by positioning the region as a central node for the commercial adoption of sustainable and autonomous air transport systems.
Powered by hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion technologies, AAM are a key element in business aviation’s mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
