emirates7 - The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted Design Acceptance for the nation's first hybrid Heliport, located at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port, marking a significant step forward in the ambitious Abu Dhabi Air Taxi initiative.
Developed through a strategic partnership between AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services, and Archer Aviation, this cutting-edge Heliport represents a major leap toward a sustainable, integrated air transport system within the emirate.
Uniquely designed to handle both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft like Archer’s Midnight, this hybrid facility serves as a flexible, future-ready model for urban air mobility.
It forms a key part of Archer’s broader air mobility infrastructure plans in the UAE, with early commercial air taxi operations to be carried out in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA).
The Heliport’s location at Zayed Port—one of the region’s premier cruise hubs welcoming over 650,000 visitors annually—was strategically chosen. It provides direct access to cultural landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District, enhancing its appeal as a convenient transit point.
In a world-first, the GCAA has also developed regulatory standards tailored for hybrid aviation infrastructure. This pioneering framework will enable the safe, coordinated, and efficient use of platforms by both helicopters and eVTOLs. Following a broad industry consultation, these regulations are set to be published by July 2025, laying the groundwork for integrating advanced air mobility into the current aviation landscape.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, emphasized that this milestone reflects the UAE’s leadership and dedication to innovation in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). He highlighted the importance of collaboration with Archer, AD Ports Group, and Falcon Aviation Services in realizing a vision for sustainable, high-tech urban air transport.
Aqeel Al Zarouni, GCAA’s Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs, noted that establishing these first-of-their-kind standards places the UAE at the forefront of global aviation innovation. The framework prioritizes safety, efficiency, and adaptability—key to blending helicopters and eVTOLs in a unified operational setting.
Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer, pointed out that leveraging existing aviation assets allows for a faster and safer rollout of infrastructure necessary for the commercial air taxi service. He credited the success to strong public-private collaboration.
Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, celebrated the transformation of the long-serving heliport into a hybrid facility as a milestone in Abu Dhabi’s aerial tourism and transport evolution.
Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, added that the Zayed Port facility, known for its high operational standards, will support the delivery of fast, sustainable services and enhance Abu Dhabi’s standing as a cruise and innovation hub.
This hybrid Heliport will play a pivotal role in the planned launch of the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi service by 2026, linking key city locations with quiet, efficient air travel. The project, powered by strong public-private cooperation, positions Abu Dhabi as a global leader in the Advanced Air Mobility sector, offering a model for cities worldwide aiming to incorporate eVTOLs into their transportation networks.
Developed through a strategic partnership between AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services, and Archer Aviation, this cutting-edge Heliport represents a major leap toward a sustainable, integrated air transport system within the emirate.
Uniquely designed to handle both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft like Archer’s Midnight, this hybrid facility serves as a flexible, future-ready model for urban air mobility.
It forms a key part of Archer’s broader air mobility infrastructure plans in the UAE, with early commercial air taxi operations to be carried out in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA).
The Heliport’s location at Zayed Port—one of the region’s premier cruise hubs welcoming over 650,000 visitors annually—was strategically chosen. It provides direct access to cultural landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District, enhancing its appeal as a convenient transit point.
In a world-first, the GCAA has also developed regulatory standards tailored for hybrid aviation infrastructure. This pioneering framework will enable the safe, coordinated, and efficient use of platforms by both helicopters and eVTOLs. Following a broad industry consultation, these regulations are set to be published by July 2025, laying the groundwork for integrating advanced air mobility into the current aviation landscape.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, emphasized that this milestone reflects the UAE’s leadership and dedication to innovation in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). He highlighted the importance of collaboration with Archer, AD Ports Group, and Falcon Aviation Services in realizing a vision for sustainable, high-tech urban air transport.
Aqeel Al Zarouni, GCAA’s Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs, noted that establishing these first-of-their-kind standards places the UAE at the forefront of global aviation innovation. The framework prioritizes safety, efficiency, and adaptability—key to blending helicopters and eVTOLs in a unified operational setting.
Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer, pointed out that leveraging existing aviation assets allows for a faster and safer rollout of infrastructure necessary for the commercial air taxi service. He credited the success to strong public-private collaboration.
Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, celebrated the transformation of the long-serving heliport into a hybrid facility as a milestone in Abu Dhabi’s aerial tourism and transport evolution.
Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, added that the Zayed Port facility, known for its high operational standards, will support the delivery of fast, sustainable services and enhance Abu Dhabi’s standing as a cruise and innovation hub.
This hybrid Heliport will play a pivotal role in the planned launch of the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi service by 2026, linking key city locations with quiet, efficient air travel. The project, powered by strong public-private cooperation, positions Abu Dhabi as a global leader in the Advanced Air Mobility sector, offering a model for cities worldwide aiming to incorporate eVTOLs into their transportation networks.