<p>Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.</p>
<p>Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.</p>


Managing Editor

<p><span><span><span>Dubai’s ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved plans to develop vertiports as part of the emirate’s future air mobility infrastructure network. The decision was announced on February 14 following a joint presentation by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) with Skyports Infrastructure and eVTOL aircraft developer Joby Aviation at the start of the 2023 World Government Summit.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>The RTA’s plans call for a vertiport network to be in place to support the launch of air taxi services in 2026. Working with Skyports, the agency has identified sites for vertiports at Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina. These facilities are expected to provide travelers with easy connections to Dubai’s metro network.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>During the event, a senior Dubai government delegation, which also included Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was shown an architectural model of the vertiport planned for Dubai International Airport. The presentation was led by RTA chairman Mattar Al Tayer. Sheikh Mohammed is also the United Arab Emirates’ vice president, prime minister, and defense minister.</span></span></span></p>
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            <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Plans for a network of vertiports in Dubai were personally approved by Dubai's ruler HH Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (second from left) personally approved plans to build vertiports following a presentation at the World Government Summit. (Image: RTA/Skyports)</div>
      
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<figcaption>Plans for a network of vertiports in Dubai were approved by its ruler, HH Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (second from left), following a presentation at the World Government Summit. (Image: RTA/Skyports)</figcaption>
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<p><span><span><span>“The RTA’s plan for aerial taxis is in line with the Dubai Self-driving Transport Strategy, which aims to make 25 percent of all trips in Dubai driverless by 2030,” said Ahmed Bahrozyan of the Public Transport Agency. “The project aims to roll out a new mobility service driven by pioneering technology to ease the mobility of individuals across urban areas in a safe, smooth, and sustainable manner integrated with the public transport network in Dubai.”</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>In December 2022, Canadian infrastructure group VPorts announced plans to develop an <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-12-07/dubai-advanced-air-mobility-integrator-center-will-support-evtol-aircraft">advanced air mobility business park</a> in Dubai. Construction at a 37,ooo-sq-m (nine-acre) site is due to start this year with the first part of the facility expected to open in 2024.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>Abu Dhabi-based helicopter and business jet operator <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2019-11-18/falcon-aviation-unveils-plans-urban-air-mobility-terminals-uaehttps://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-06-08/falcon-and-eve-plan-launch-evtol-services-dubai">Falcon Aviation </a>plans to launch eVTOL air taxi services from the Atlantis the Palm luxury resort in Dubai in 2026. In June 2022, the company signed a <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-06-08/falcon-and-eve-plan-launch-evtol-services-dubai">letter of intent</a> to buy 35 of Eve Air Mobility's four-passenger <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/eve">eVTOL aircraft</a>.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>UK-based Skyports is also working&nbsp;to develop vertiports in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia and&nbsp;has a drone operations business unit.</span></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Charles Alcock

Four locations in Dubai have been identified for the first phase of a network of vertiports to be developed by the emirate's Roads and Transport Authority with Skyports Infrastructure. (Image: Skyports)

Dubai Ruler Gives Go-ahead for Vertiport Network Plans

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