UAE’s regulation for vertiports to promote rapid development of VTOLs

The UAE has become the first government in the world to publish a comprehensive guideline regarding vertiports.

The national regulation published by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will promote development of the VTOLs as well as investments into the new area.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said: “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.”

The rules and laws cover the design and operational requirements of vertiports as well as efficiency and safety in operations of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

According to Emirates News Agency WAM, the proposed amendments of the new draft regulation have been released for industry consultation, and the final version will be published in the first quarter of 2023.

The increasing interest in development of electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft have required the need of new infrastructure, new networks and new regulatory approaches. 

In November, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Abu Dhabi Airports and French engineering and operations firm Groupe ADP to explore the potential of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a new concept of air transportation that uses electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to move people and cargo.

The demand for vertiports continues to accelerate as eVTOL manufacturers aim to launch their aircraft by 2024.  

Source: https://english.aawsat.com/