Latest news with #AbuDhabiAirTaxi
TAG 91.1
24-04-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
Flying taxis step closer as Abu Dhabi approves first hybrid heliport
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has approved the country's first hybrid heliport, marking a step forward in the rollout of urban air mobility services. The heliport, located at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, is part of the broader Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project and is designed to accommodate both conventional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Developed through a partnership between Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services, and Archer Aviation, the heliport will serve as a launch point for future air taxi services planned to begin by 2026. The site was chosen for its proximity to key tourist destinations and high foot traffic — Zayed Port welcomes more than 650,000 cruise passengers annually. The GCAA's approval also introduces a regulatory milestone: the world's first standards for hybrid heliport infrastructure. These standards are intended to guide the safe integration of eVTOLs alongside traditional rotorcraft and are expected to be finalized by July 2025. 'This milestone reflects the UAE's commitment to innovation in the aviation sector,' said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA. He described the regulatory framework as a necessary step toward a mixed-mode air transport system that includes both helicopters and emerging electric aircraft. Archer CEO Adam Goldstein emphasized that adapting existing aviation sites, like the cruise terminal heliport, is a key strategy for accelerating air taxi deployment. 'It allows us to move both quickly and safely — getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial air taxi launch,' he said. The heliport's upgrade comes amid growing interest in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) as cities globally explore new transport models to ease congestion and reduce emissions. The Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project aims to connect major parts of the city through short-hop flights using quiet, battery-powered aircraft. The hybrid heliport is expected to offer faster transit options for visitors arriving by sea, with direct access to nearby landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Cultural District.
Al Etihad
23-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
GCAA grants Design Acceptance for first hybrid heliport at Zayed Port
23 Apr 2025 13:28 ABU DHABI (WAM) The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted a Design Acceptance for the country's first hybrid Heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, as part of the visionary Abu Dhabi Air Taxi in strategic collaboration with AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services and Archer Aviation, the hybrid Heliport represents a transformative step toward integrated, sustainable air transport across the hybrid Heliport is the first in the UAE designed to accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft like Archer's Midnight, offering a versatile, future-ready model for urban is planned as part of Archer's broader infrastructure network in the UAE, with early air taxi commercial operations planned with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA).This first site was chosen due to its location at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, which is a leading hub for the regional cruise industry, welcoming more than 650,000 visitors every is also a gateway to the capital's most renowned cultural and leisure destinations, providing easy access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural GCAA has become the first civil aviation authority globally to develop regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure—a pioneering framework designed to support the safe, interoperable, and efficient operation of both helicopters and eVTOLs from a single extensive industry consultation, these proposed standards are now being finalised and are on track for publication by July 2025, marking a significant step toward the seamless integration of advanced air mobility into existing aviation of the GCAA, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, said, 'This milestone is not just about infrastructure—it reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility.''Through our close collaboration with Archer, AD Ports Group, and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape. This approval represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision.'Assistant Director General of the GCAA – Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, Aqeel Al Zarouni, said, 'By developing the world's first regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure, the GCAA is positioning the UAE at the forefront of global aviation innovation."He added that this framework ensures that air mobility infrastructure is safe, efficient, and adaptable—laying the foundation for the seamless integration of both helicopters and next-generation eVTOL aircraft within a unified operational and co-founder of Archer, Adam Goldstein, said, "Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy. It allows us to move both quickly and safely —getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial air taxi launch. This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, AD Ports Group and Falcon Aviation Services.'CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, said, 'This heliport has long served as a gateway for visitors to explore Abu Dhabi from the sky, and its transformation into a Hybrid Heliport marks an exciting new chapter.'CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, stated, "Our state-of-the-art facility at Zayed port, in addition to our renowned operational efficiency, will enable us to provide faster and more sustainable services to our customers and further solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in the cruise industry offering innovative extraordinary experiences.'The hybrid Heliport will serve as a key launch point for the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi service, planned for rollout by 2026, connecting key locations across the city with quiet and efficient air mobility solutions. The Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project, supported by a powerful public-private collaboration, places the emirate at the forefront of the global AAM sector and sets a benchmark for cities worldwide seeking to integrate eVTOLs into their transport networks.
Gulf Today
23-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE's greenlights design for first hybrid heliport at Zayed Port
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted a Design Acceptance for the country's first hybrid heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, as part of the visionary Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project. Developed in strategic collaboration with AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services and Archer Aviation, the hybrid heliport represents a transformative step toward integrated, sustainable air transport across the emirate. This hybrid heliport is the first in the UAE designed to accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft like Archer's Midnight, offering a versatile, future-ready model for urban mobility. It is planned as part of Archer's broader infrastructure network in the UAE, with early air taxi commercial operations planned with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA). This first site was chosen due to its location at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, which is a leading hub for regional cruise industry, welcoming more than 650,000 visitors every year. It is also a gateway to the capital's most renowned cultural and leisure destinations, providing easy access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District. The GCAA has become the first civil aviation authority globally to develop regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure — a pioneering framework designed to support the safe, interoperable, and efficient operation of both helicopters and eVTOLs from a single platform. Following extensive industry consultation, these proposed standards are now being finalised and are on track for publication by July 2025, marking a significant step toward the seamless integration of advanced air mobility into existing aviation ecosystems. 'This milestone is not just about infrastructure — it reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility,' said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA. 'Through our close collaboration with Archer, AD Ports Group, and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape. This approval represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision.' Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the GCAA – Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, said, 'By developing the world's first regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure, the GCAA is positioning the UAE at the forefront of global aviation innovation." He added that this framework ensures that air mobility infrastructure is safe, efficient, and adaptable — laying the foundation for the seamless integration of both helicopters and next-generation eVTOL aircraft within a unified operational environment. "Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy. It allows us to move both quickly and safely — getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial air taxi launch. This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, AD Ports Group and Falcon Aviation Services,' said Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer. Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, said, 'This heliport has long served as a gateway for visitors to explore Abu Dhabi from the sky, and its transformation into a hybrid heliport marks an exciting new chapter.' Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, stated, "Our state-of-the-art facility at Zayed port, in addition to our renowned operational efficiency, will enable us to provide faster and more sustainable services to our customers and further solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in the cruise industry offering innovative extraordinary experiences.' The hybrid heliport will serve as a key launch point for the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi service, planned for rollout by 2026, connecting key locations across the city with quiet and efficient air mobility solutions. The Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project, supported by a powerful public-private collaboration, places the emirate at the forefront of the global AAM sector and sets a benchmark for cities worldwide seeking to integrate eVTOLs into their transport networks. WAM
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE's GCAA grants Design Acceptance for first hybrid heliport at Zayed Port
ABU DHABI - The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted a Design Acceptance for the country's first hybrid Heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, as part of the visionary Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project. Developed in strategic collaboration with AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services and Archer Aviation, the hybrid Heliport represents a transformative step toward integrated, sustainable air transport across the emirate. This hybrid Heliport is the first in the UAE designed to accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft like Archer's Midnight, offering a versatile, future-ready model for urban mobility. It is planned as part of Archer's broader infrastructure network in the UAE, with early air taxi commercial operations planned with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA). This first site was chosen due to its location at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, which is a leading hub for regional cruise industry, welcoming more than 650,000 visitors every year. It is also a gateway to the capital's most renowned cultural and leisure destinations, providing easy access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District. The GCAA has become the first civil aviation authority globally to develop regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure—a pioneering framework designed to support the safe, interoperable, and efficient operation of both helicopters and eVTOLs from a single platform. Following extensive industry consultation, these proposed standards are now being finalised and are on track for publication by July 2025, marking a significant step toward the seamless integration of advanced air mobility into existing aviation ecosystems. 'This milestone is not just about infrastructure—it reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility,' said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA. 'Through our close collaboration with Archer, AD Ports Group, and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape. This approval represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision.' Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the GCAA – Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, said, 'By developing the world's first regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure, the GCAA is positioning the UAE at the forefront of global aviation innovation." He added that this framework ensures that air mobility infrastructure is safe, efficient, and adaptable—laying the foundation for the seamless integration of both helicopters and next-generation eVTOL aircraft within a unified operational environment. "Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy. It allows us to move both quickly and safely—getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial air taxi launch. This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, AD Ports Group and Falcon Aviation Services,' said Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer. Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, said 'This heliport has long served as a gateway for visitors to explore Abu Dhabi from the sky, and its transformation into a Hybrid Heliport marks an exciting new chapter.' Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, stated, "Our state-of-the-art facility at Zayed port, in addition to our renowned operational efficiency, will enable us to provide faster and more sustainable services to our customers and further solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in the cruise industry offering innovative extraordinary experiences.' The hybrid Heliport will serve as a key launch point for the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi service, planned for rollout by 2026, connecting key locations across the city with quiet and efficient air mobility solutions. The Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project, supported by a powerful public-private collaboration, places the emirate at the forefront of the global AAM sector and sets a benchmark for cities worldwide seeking to integrate eVTOLs into their transport networks.
Emirates 24/7
23-04-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
UAE GCAA Grants Design Acceptance for World's First Hybrid Heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port
In a significant move for the global aviation industry, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted a Design Acceptance for the country's first hybrid Heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, as part of the visionary Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project. Developed in strategic collaboration with AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services and Archer Aviation, the hybrid Heliport represents a transformative step toward integrated, sustainable air transport across the emirate. This hybrid Heliport is the first in the UAE designed to accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft like Archer's Midnight, offering a versatile, future-ready model for urban mobility. It is planned as part of Archer's broader infrastructure network in the UAE, with early air taxi commercial operations planned with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA). This first site was chosen due to its location at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, which is a leading hub for regional cruise industry, welcoming more than 650,000 visitors every year. It is also a gateway to the capital's most renowned cultural and leisure destinations, providing easy access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District. Falcon Aviation Services operates sightseeing Heli-tours from this location, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience the city from above and explore Abu Dhabi's iconic landmarks. The GCAA has become the first civil aviation authority globally to develop regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure—a pioneering framework designed to support the safe, interoperable, and efficient operation of both helicopters and eVTOLs from a single platform. Following extensive industry consultation, these proposed standards are now being finalized and are on track for publication by July 2025, marking a significant step toward the seamless integration of advanced air mobility into existing aviation ecosystems. 'This milestone is not just about infrastructure—it reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility,' said H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA. 'Through our close collaboration with Archer, AD Ports Group, and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape. This approval represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision.' Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the GCAA – Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, said: 'By developing the world's first regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure, the GCAA is positioning the UAE at the forefront of global aviation innovation. This framework ensures that our air mobility infrastructure is safe, efficient, and adaptable—laying the foundation for the seamless integration of both helicopters and next-generation eVTOL aircraft within a unified operational environment.' "Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy. It allows us to move both quickly and safely—getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial air taxi launch. This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, AD Ports Group and Falcon Aviation Services,' said Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer. Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, said 'This heliport has long served as a gateway for visitors to explore Abu Dhabi from the sky, and its transformation into a Hybrid Heliport marks an exciting new chapter. We are proud to support the UAE's vision by introducing future-ready infrastructure that not only enhances our tourism offering but also supports the shift toward more sustainable and advanced air mobility solutions,' Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, said: "The launch of the Hybrid Heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port marks a significant milestone in our journey. Leveraging on this cutting-edge technology to drive growth and minimize our impact on the environment is a testimony of our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our state-of-the-art facility at Zayed port, in addition to our renowned operational efficiency, will enable us to provide faster and more sustainable services to our customers and further solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in the cruise industry offering innovative extraordinary experiences.' The hybrid Heliport will serve as a key launch point for the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi service, planned for rollout by 2026, connecting key locations across the city with quiet and efficient air mobility solutions. The Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project, supported by a powerful public-private collaboration, places the emirate at the forefront of the global AAM sector and sets a benchmark for cities worldwide seeking to integrate eVTOLs into their transport networks. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
