Latest news with #AqeelAlZarouni
Gulf Business
25-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi: Archer secures approval for first hybrid heliport
Image: Archer Aviation/ For illustrative purposes The project, developed in collaboration with infrastructure partner Falcon Aviation Services and in close coordination with the GCAA, will transform the existing helipad into a dual-use facility capable of handling both traditional helicopters and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The heliport is expected to be operational in H2 2025, forming part of Archer's broader UAE infrastructure rollout in partnership with leading operator Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA). '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. 'This approval represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision.' Setting new benchmarks for hybrid heliports The GCAA has become the first aviation authority worldwide to draft regulatory standards for hybrid heliports, a framework that will allow the safe, efficient integration of helicopters and eVTOL aircraft. The final standards are expected to be published by July 2025 following an industry consultation process. 'This framework ensures that our air mobility infrastructure is safe, efficient, and adaptable—laying the foundation for a unified operational environment,' added Aqeel Al Zarouni, assistant director general of the GCAA's Aviation Safety Affairs Sector. Located at a cruise terminal that receives over 650,000 visitors annually, the site offers strategic access to key cultural and tourism destinations such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed Port, Saadiyat Island, and the Corniche. '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 launch,' said Archer Aviation CEO and co-founder Adam Goldstein. 'This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, ADIO, and our local operating partners.' Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, noted the significance of repurposing an established heliport: '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.' The apron and airspace design work for the project was supported by Air Synapsis, a Dubai-based heliport and vertiport design and consultancy firm.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Archer secures design approval for UAE's first hybrid heliport
Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General at UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, presents the acceptance certificate to Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer, and Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO at Falcon Aviation Services The UAE's aviation regulator, the General Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA), has approved the design for the planned transformation of the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal helipad into a hybrid heliport for both helicopter and eVTOL aircraft operations The goal is for this location to become the first site ready for eVTOL aircraft operations in the UAE, providing direct access to the Zayed Port, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island and the Corniche Archer is working to transform this helipad alongside its infrastructure partner Falcon Aviation in close coordination with the GCAA The parties aim to complete this transformation in the second half of 2025 as part of Archer's broader UAE infrastructure network for its early air taxi commercial service in partnership with leading operator Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – The General Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA) has approved the design for the planned transformation of an Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal helipad into a hybrid heliport for both helicopter and eVTOL aircraft operations. Archer (NYSE: ACHR) is working to transform this helipad alongside its infrastructure partner Falcon Aviation in close coordination with the GCAA. Once complete, this location is targeted to be the first hybrid heliport available for early commercial air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi, and part of Archer's broader infrastructure network in the UAE, with early operations planned with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA). 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 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. Under this guidance, Archer and its partners plan to add charging infrastructure and upgrade landing and safety systems to enable use by eVTOL aircraft. By upgrading an existing facility, Archer can capitalize on airspace regulations, zoning and structures that are already in place, without incurring the cost and time it would take to build a bespoke vertiport. Archer selected this site because of its location at the cruise terminal, which is a thriving tourism hub welcoming over 650,000 guests to its port each year. This location also serves as a gateway to some of the capital's most renowned cultural and leisure destinations, providing access to the Zayed Port, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the future Saadiyat Cultural District and the Corniche. '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 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.' '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,' said Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the GCAA – Aviation Safety Affairs Sector. "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 launch. This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, ADIO and our local operating partners,' said Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer. '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,' said Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services. Air Synapsis, a Dubai-based company that provides heliport and vertiport design, supplies and project management services, supported the apron and airspace design work for the development of this hybrid vertiport. About Archer Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation. To learn more, visit Archer Media Contacts The Brand Amp - Archer@ Tales and Heads - archer@ About Falcon Aviation Services Falcon Aviation Services is a premier aviation services company in the UAE. Since its founding in 2006 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative, high-quality services to an esteemed clientele. Falcon Aviation Services provides a wide range of Operational and Aviation Support Services, which include Aircraft Charter & Management, Helicopter Sightseeing Tours, Oil and Gas Aviation Support, Maintenance Repair and Overhauling (MRO), Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO), Heliport Management and Inspection, among others. Falcon Aviation Services has firmly established itself as a leading operator in the UAE and the MENA region aviation industry for its commitment to quality, safety, and excellence. For more information, please visit: Media Enquiries: communications@ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward looking statements regarding Archer's future business plans and goals, including statements regarding its aircraft performance, the timing of Archer's development, commercialization, and certification of its eVTOL aircraft, and plans relating to infrastructure buildout and operations in the UAE. In addition, this press release refers to a collaboration agreement that is conditioned on the future execution by the parties of additional binding definitive agreements incorporating the terms outlined in the collaboration agreement, which definitive agreements may not be completed or may contain different terms than those set forth in the framework agreement. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in Archer's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, available at In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that Archer believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Archer undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.
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.
