GCAA Approves Design For UAE's First Hybrid Heliport At Zayed Port To Enhance Air Mobility

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has approved the design for the country's inaugural hybrid Heliport at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Zayed Port. This initiative is part of the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project, developed in collaboration with AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services, and Archer Aviation. The Heliport will accommodate both traditional helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft like Archer’s Midnight.

Located at a major regional cruise hub that attracts over 650,000 visitors annually, this site offers convenient access to cultural landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Cultural District. The strategic location enhances connectivity to the capital's renowned leisure destinations. The GCAA has pioneered regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient operations for both helicopters and eVTOLs from a single platform.

The GCAA is the first civil aviation authority globally to create these standards, which are set to be published by July 2025. This framework marks a significant step toward integrating advanced air mobility into existing aviation systems. "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.

Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the GCAA – Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, highlighted that developing these standards positions the UAE at the forefront of global aviation innovation. He stated that this framework ensures air mobility infrastructure is safe, efficient, and adaptable for seamless integration of helicopters and eVTOL aircraft within a unified operational environment.

Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer, emphasised leveraging existing aviation assets as crucial for their launch strategy. "This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, AD Ports Group and Falcon Aviation Services," he noted. These collaborations enable rapid preparation of critical infrastructure ahead of planned commercial air taxi launches.

Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, remarked on the transformation of the heliport into a Hybrid Heliport as an exciting new chapter for visitors exploring Abu Dhabi from above. Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, added that their state-of-the-art facility will enhance service efficiency while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's leadership in offering innovative cruise experiences.

Future-Ready Urban Mobility

The hybrid Heliport will be pivotal in launching Abu Dhabi's Air Taxi service by 2026. It aims to connect key city locations with quiet and efficient air mobility solutions. Supported by public-private collaboration, this project places Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) efforts. It sets a benchmark for cities worldwide aiming to integrate eVTOLs into their transport networks.

This initiative represents a transformative step towards sustainable urban transport across Abu Dhabi. By accommodating both traditional helicopters and eVTOLs like Archer’s Midnight, it offers a versatile model for future urban mobility solutions in the emirate.

With inputs from WAM