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Abu Dhabi reveals plans to operate state-of-the-art air taxi network across the capital by 2026
Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT), has unveiled the inaugural vertiport for vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) in the United Arab Emirates.
The unveiling took place at DRIFTx, an international event showcasing smart, autonomous and sustainable urban mobility across air, land and sea.
Constructed in accordance with the latest industry standards and regulations set by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the temporary vertiport facility offers a preview of Abu Dhabi’s ambitious vision to lead the world in advanced electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) by 2026.
AD Mobility will oversee the regulation of this cutting-edge air mobility sector in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the UAE’s GCAA.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of the General Civil Aviation Authority, emphasised the significance of collaboration in fostering innovation while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance within the dynamic field of advanced air mobility.
He highlighted events like DRIFTx as essential catalysts for advancing the development of this sector in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
The establishment of the world's first national regulation on vertiports by the UAE's GCAA last year laid a solid foundation for advanced air mobility in the country, guaranteeing the presence of secure and suitable infrastructure to accommodate eVTOL aircraft.
This comprehensive regulation encompasses design, operations and certification standards for vertiports on both land and sea, reflecting a commitment to innovation while prioritising safety and regulatory adherence in aviation.
Abdulla Al Marzouqi, director-general of Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), revealed plans for vertiport installations in strategic locations across Abu Dhabi, including major business centres and tourist destinations.
Once operational, the vertiport network will serve as a vital component of Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster, centred in Masdar City, offering advanced facilities and support services within a regulatory framework conducive to the development of innovative technologies across various mobility sectors.
Badr Al-Olama, director-general of ADIO, emphasised the transformative impact of Abu Dhabi's vertiport network on transportation innovation and the future of mobility.
The partnership between ADIO and AD Mobility will play a central role in establishing robust infrastructure to integrate smart and autonomous vehicles into daily life, driving progress towards a more connected and efficient future while unlocking significant commercial opportunities and fostering economic development alongside technological advancement.
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