The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal will soon host the UAE’s first hybrid heliport, following regulatory approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The upgraded helipad will support both helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, advancing the country’s commitment to next-generation air mobility.
Developed by Archer Aviation in collaboration with Falcon Aviation, this initiative is part of a wider infrastructure expansion to enable early commercial air taxi services, with initial operations planned alongside Abu Dhabi Aviation.
The GCAA has introduced a tailored regulatory framework for hybrid facilities—making the UAE the first nation to do so. These new standards, expected by July 2025, will guide the safe integration of electric aircraft into the urban landscape.
Rather than constructing a new vertiport, the project modernizes the existing infrastructure, adding eVTOL-compatible features such as charging stations and enhanced safety systems. Its location at a major tourism gateway, near landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Corniche, positions it as a key link in the city’s multimodal transport network.
Dubai-based Air Synapsis is overseeing the layout and airspace configuration, ensuring the heliport meets operational demands of urban aerial mobility. The project reflects the UAE’s leadership in sustainable, connected mobility and sets the stage for broader adoption of air taxis in the region.
Source: Swifteradio.com
