The UAE has approved the design for its first hybrid heliport, which will be located at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port. This facility is part of the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi project and is designed to accommodate both helicopters and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, such as Archer’s Midnight, as announced by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Wednesday.

The hybrid heliport is integral to Archer’s extensive infrastructure network in the UAE, with initial commercial air taxi operations expected to commence in partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA). The GCAA has collaborated with AD Ports Group, Falcon Aviation Services, and Archer Aviation in the development of this facility.

The GCAA has become the first civil aviation authority to create regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure, aimed at ensuring the efficient operation of both helicopters and eVTOLs from a unified platform. These proposed standards are currently being finalized and are expected to be published by July 2025. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, emphasized that close collaboration with industry partners is paving the way for sustainable air transport in urban areas, marking a significant advancement in civil aviation.

The hybrid heliport is set to serve as a crucial launch point for the Abu Dhabi Air Taxi service, which is projected to roll out by 2026, connecting key locations throughout the city. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the GCAA for the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, noted that the new framework will ensure a safe and efficient air mobility infrastructure, facilitating the integration of helicopters and next-generation eVTOL aircraft.

Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer, highlighted the strategic importance of utilizing existing aviation resources as a fundamental aspect of their launch strategy. He stated that this approach enables a quicker and safer preparation of critical infrastructure for the upcoming commercial air taxi launch.

The decision to site the heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal stems from its annual influx of over 650,000 visitors, making it a key gateway to the capital’s cultural and leisure attractions, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Saadiyat Cultural District. The GCAA mentioned that Falcon Aviation Services currently operates sightseeing heli-tours from this location, allowing visitors to explore the city from above.

Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, expressed optimism about how the new facility can enhance tourism offerings in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, stated that their facility at Zayed Port will not only improve operational efficiency but also enable faster and more sustainable services for customers.