The world’s first commercial vertiport for eVTOLs and air taxis has been certified in Dubai
Dubai is pushing ahead with its aim of becoming a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM) with the certification of the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport.
Officially designated with the code VDX, the vertiport sits close to near Dubai International Airport and is home to the world’s first purpose-built commercial platform for electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles to receive regulatory certification.
Dubai, along with the UAE more generally, has been at the forefront of efforts to advance AAM activity, with the country’s leadership keen to encourage the leading eVTOL developers to stage world-firsts there.
The UAE offers a combination of political support and infrastructure development, as well as strong cooperation from the regulatory body.
eVTOL developer Joby is making progress towards flights in the UAE, and the Dubai Airshow broke new ground last year with eVTOL aircraft joining the flying display for the first time.
VDX certified for eVTOL flights
The addition of VDX puts the launch of commercial air taxi services in Dubai a step closer to reality.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) awarded the vertiport, which has been developed by Skyports, regulatory certification for eVTOL aircraft operations.
Three additional vertiports are currently under development in the emirate, but VDX will act as the main hub within Dubai’s planned Air Taxi network. The three new sites will include the American University of Dubai, Atlantis the Royal, and the Dubai Mall.
Each is being developed by Skyports in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Commenting on the certification milestone, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the director general of the GCAA, said that the UAE was “not only preparing for the future of aviation; it is actively shaping it and establishing new international benchmarks for advanced air mobility”.
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports Infrastructure, said the certification demonstrated that the “infrastructure, operational standards and regulatory frameworks required for commercial eVTOL services are now a reality”.
Dubai air taxi flights to commence this year?
A frontrunner in the race to launch eVTOL operations, Joby Aviation announced last year that it had completed a landmark flight test across Dubai, becoming the first eVTOL developer to conduct a point-to-point flight in the UAE.
On 9 November, Joby landed its aircraft at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) following a 17-minute piloted flight from its test facility in Margham, a site located some 35 miles (55km) east of Dubai city.
Joby’s aircraft is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h).
Rival Archer Aviation is also stepping up plans for a launch in the Gulf.
The eVTOL developer has put Abu Dhabi at the heart of its plans – outside the United States at least – with plans for flights of its Midnight aircraft in the desert.
The company has built partnerships in the Emirates, finalised a major framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and completed a full flight envelope test programme in UAE desert conditions.
The work, by Archer, Joby and Skyports, put both Dubai and Abu Dhabi in pole position to launch eVTOL air taxi networks in the coming months and years.
Featured image: Skyports
