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UAE approves design of first heliport for helicopters, air taxis
The hybrid heliport is designed to accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft
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, it was announced on Wednesday.
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.
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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.
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 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).
“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 GCAA said in a statement.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Khaleej Times early this month, Archer – the company behind the ‘Midnight’ flying taxi – said they are “open to the idea of using existing infrastructure such as helipads to serve more locations across the capital.”
Nikhil Goel, chief commercial officer at Archer Aviation, noted, “Currently, there are more than 70 helipads in Abu Dhabi. So, there's a really great opportunity, and I personally think that we don't need to build any new infrastructure in order to make this work. We plan to leverage the existing helipads, then add electrification to those facilities so that we can go launch quickly and scale up rapidly with minimal capital.”
He added Archer is on track to start test flights of Midnight’ flying taxi this summer in the capital.
Regulatory standards
The GCAA said they are 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.
The proposed standards are now being finalised and are on track for publication by July 2025, marking a significant step toward the integration of advanced air mobility into existing aviation ecosystems, GCAA noted.
“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,” said GCAA director-general Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi.
Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer, for his part, noted, "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.
The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port is one of the gateways to the capital’s renowned cultural and leisure destinations, providing easy access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District. Falcon Aviation Services operates sightseeing heli-tour from this location, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the city from above and explore Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks.
Angel Tesorero
Angel Tesorero is Assistant Editor and designated funny guy in the newsroom, but dead serious about ...Read More
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