The rapid development of electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and advanced air mobility (AAM) globally have developed the requirement of new infrastructure, new networks, and new regulatory approaches.
The requirement has prompted the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority to publish the world’s first national regulation related to vertiports to support rapid developments and continued worldwide investment in the UAE’s highly progressive and competitive aviation industry.
This regulation covers the design and operational requirements of vertiports while ensuring a regulatory environment that supports the efficient and safe operation of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
In a $40 million deal, advanced air mobility (AAM) infra developer, VPorts, is commited to establish the world’s first AAM integrator world center in Dubai, the commercial and tourism hub of the United Arab Emirates.
Aiming Construction work next year, the one of a kind partnership has been inked between VPorts, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), with operations commencing in 2024.
The initial investment of $40 million over three years is expected to give Dubai and the UAE a world-class global AAM hub which will include dedicated flight-testing airspace, assigned blocked airspace, and new tech designed to foster the global growth of the international AAM market.
VPorts has also signed a 25-year exclusive lease agreement with MBRAH, renewable for a further 25 years, to establish the new AAM center on a 37,000 square meter site within Dubai South.
The proposed amendments of the new draft regulation have been released for industry consultation, and it will be published later in its final version in the first quarter of 2023.
The demand for vertiports continues to accelerate as eVTOL manufacturers aim to launch their aircraft by 2024. As a potential global network is envisaged by 2030, this novel carbon-neutral industry must be served by suitable, safe and regulated infrastructure.
Federal Aviation Administration's engineering design guidelines of vertiports for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) operations.
Through safe and orderly infrastructure, the promises associated with this new mode of transportation include ensuring rapid movement of passengers within cities and reducing traffic jams, as well as rapid logistical responses to emergencies and easy access to markets across cities.
The UAE vertiports regulation strengthens the UAE’s Urban Air Mobility proposition while at the same time enhancing the level of safety within the aviation sector, and proactively provides a unique certification and regulatory oversight framework for vertiports.
The Final regulations will be a step towards maturing of the strategic expertise in a relatively new domain , that includes eVTOL manufacturing, flight simulation and training, regulators, air navigation service providers, technology service providers, operators, electric charging manufacturers and urban planners.
VPorts plans to have a network of vertiports to handle the transportation of light goods covering key locations in the UAE.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said,
“The proactive development of a regulatory framework for vertiports establishes a foundation within the UAE to ensure safe and seamless operation of urban air mobility. "
"The rapid growth of advanced air mobility presents opportunities in the reduction of carbon emissions, decreased congestion, and entry to inaccessible markets, which are achievable through vision, planning and close collaboration with our stakeholders in the aviation industry.”
Display Picture : UBER /CORGAN , Source : Emirates News Agency.
