The developers behind the new Dubai VDX project are calling it the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport – and after receiving a green light from regulators the vertiport is ready to get started.
Developed by Skyports Infrastructure, the new commercial vertiport is designed in to enable small, battery-powered aircraft to take off and land vertically without the need for conventional runways. The facility recently received regulatory certification issued by the United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which is crucial in its bid to operate commercial eVTOLs throughout the emirate.
“This certification is a defining moment for Advanced Air Mobility, demonstrating that the infrastructure, operational standards and regulatory frameworks required for commercial eVTOL services are now a reality,” explains Duncan Walker, CEO, Skyports Infrastructure. “With VDX now certified and construction of the wider Dubai Air Taxi Network progressing at pace, we are one step closer to launching commercial air taxi operations, and unlocking a new era of safe, efficient and sustainable urban transport.”
Moving on up
The facility features two dedicated pads, as well as high-powered DC fast charging infrastructure for quick turnaround of the service’s electric aircraft. With 3,100 square meters (~33,500 sq. ft.) built to serve up to 170,000 passengers per year, VDX will act as the first and primary Skysports transit hub within Dubai’s planned Air Taxi network, with three similar facilities currently under development in the emirate.
For their part, it seems like Dubai’s regulators are almost as excited about the new vertiport as its developers are.
“The certification of the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport is a historic achievement for the UAE and a defining moment for the future of aviation,” says Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA. “It reflects the vision of our leadership, the maturity of our regulatory system and our national capability to enable innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety. The UAE is not only preparing for the future of aviation; it is actively shaping it and establishing new international benchmarks for Advanced Air Mobility.”
The proposed air taxi network of vertiports is being developed by Skyports in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
SOURCE | IMAGES: Emirates News Agency WAM.
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