GCAA approves design of UAE’s first hybrid heliport
April 24, 2025
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA) has approved Archer’s designs for the transformation of Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal helipad into a hybrid heliport for both helicopter and eVTOL operations.
Archer is working alongside local infrastructure partner Falcon Aviation in close cooperation with the GCAA to transform the helipad, as well as Dubai-based Air Synapsis was also tasked with supporting the apron and airspace design work. Once complete it will be the first hybrid heliport available for early commercial air taxi operations in Abu Dhabi.
Leading the way
With the Middle East leading the charge for the early adoption of air taxi networks, the GCAA is the first regulator to develop regulatory standards (due for publication in July) for hybrid infrastructure to support safe, interoperable and adaptable helicopter and eVTOL operations from a single platform.
Archer announced in February that it has chosen Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) as its first Launch Edition customer. ADA plans to deploy an initial fleet of Archer’s Midnight aircraft later this year. The GCAA’s guidance will pave the way for the eVTOL developer and its partners to add charging infrastructure and upgrade landing and safety systems at the heliport to enable eVTOL operations. Instead of building a bespoke vertiport from scratch, Archer’s plans to upgrade an existing facility – leveraging existing airspace regulations, zoning and infrastructure, will save on both time and additional costs.
Describing the plans to capitalise on existing aviation assets as a cornerstone of Archer’s launch strategy, Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder said: “It allows us to move both quickly and safely – getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial launch.”
Collaboration is key
Adding that design approval is not just about infrastructure but reflects the UAE’s commitment to global leadership in the Advance Air Mobility (AAM) sector, H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, added: “Through our close collaboration with Archer and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape.”
The approval, he said, “represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision.”
Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, reiterated that while the heliport has “long served as a gateway for visitors to explore Abu Dhabi from the sky,” the transformation of the heliport into a hybrid facility marks a new chapter. “We are proud to support the UAE’s vision by introducing future-ready infrastructure that not only enhances our tourism offering but also supports the shift toward more sustainable and advanced air mobility solutions.”
Archer’s Launch Edition programme to create a scalable commercialisation framework for safely deploying aircraft in early adopter markets was launched with ADA in February. Ethiopian Airlines has also partnered with Archer as its second customer planning to deploy Midnight under the Launch Edition programme. The piloted, four-passenger Midnight aircraft is expected to replace 60-90 minute commutes by car with 10-20 minute electric air taxi flights. While Archer completed an uncrewed transition flight in June 2024, it has yet to fly a crewed example of the aircraft, which it is currently seeking to certify and commercialise.
