Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

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The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA) has approved the design for what is expected to become Abu Dhabi’s first “hybrid heliport”—a facility supporting both helicopters and eVTOL aircraft.
Plans call for a major transformation of an existing cruise ship terminal at Zayed Port, where helicopter operator Falcon Aviation Services offers sightseeing flights for tourists. According to Falcon, which led the design of the new hybrid heliport, about 650,000 tourists pass through that port annually.
“This heliport has long served as a gateway for visitors to explore Abu Dhabi from the sky, and its transformation into a hybrid heliport marks an exciting new chapter,” said Falcon CEO Ramandeep Oberoi. “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.”

Falcon designed the hybrid heliport concept in partnership with California-based eVTOL manufacturer Archer Aviation and AD Ports Group, which owns and operates Abu Dhabi’s ports and other transport-related infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi-based Falcon partnered with Archer last year to launch eVTOL air taxi services <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-03-11/falcon-and-archer-launch-abu-dhabi-dubai-evtol-flights">between Abu Dhabi and Dubai</a>. Archer intends to bring its four-passenger Midnight eVTOL air taxi into commercial service in the UAE later this year through its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-02-27/archer-picks-abu-dhabi-aviation-uae-evtol-launch">“Launch Edition” program</a>.
“Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy,” said Archer CEO Adam Goldstein. “It allows us to move both quickly and safely—getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial air taxi launch.”
According to Falcon, the GCAA is set to publish the world’s first regulatory standards for hybrid heliports, which will need to provide both fuel and electricity for helicopters and eVTOL aircraft, respectively. “Following extensive industry consultation, these proposed standards are now being finalized and are on track for publication by July 2025,” the company said in a statement.

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UAE Approves First Hybrid Heliport for Helicopters and eVTOL Aircraft

Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal to support both helicopter and eVTOL air taxi services

UAE officials have approved the design for what is expected to become Abu Dhabi’s first “hybrid heliport” to be used by both helicopters and electric air taxis.

UAE Approves First ‘Hybrid Heliport’ Design for Abu Dhabi

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