Air Synapsis is proud to announce its leading role in the design and regulatory approval of the UAE’s and world’s first hybrid heliport, which recently received design acceptance from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
This landmark project was developed for Archer Aviation and will be operated by Falcon Aviation Services in Abu Dhabi. It marks a transformative moment for urban air mobility infrastructure, enabling operations for both traditional helicopters and eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft.
Project Overview:
Located in Abu Dhabi, this hybrid heliport was designed to convert an existing infrastructure into a fully compliant hybrid platform. It adheres to the new hybrid vertical flight infrastructure regulatory framework, ensuring for the first time in the world readiness for both rotary and electric VTOL aircraft.
Thanks to our experienced team and streamlined process, we delivered the project within a record timeline for such a complex regulatory approval. As a result, the heliport has become a global reference for future hybrid aviation infrastructure.
Pioneering Regulatory Framework
In a groundbreaking move, the GCAA has become the first civil aviation authority globally to develop regulatory standards specifically for hybrid infrastructure. This pioneering framework is designed to support the safe, interoperable, and efficient operation of both helicopters and eVTOLs from a single platform. These standards are a significant step toward the seamless integration of advanced air mobility into existing aviation ecosystems.
The transformation of the existing helipad into a hybrid heliport includes plans to add charging infrastructure and upgrade landing and safety systems to accommodate eVTOL aircraft. By upgrading an existing facility, the project capitalizes on current airspace regulations, zoning, and structures, avoiding the cost and time associated with building a new vertiport. This approach underscores a strategic and efficient path toward realizing the vision of sustainable, high-tech urban air transport.
Integration with Abu Dhabi’s Urban Landscape
The hybrid heliport is strategically located at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, a bustling tourism hub that welcomes over 650,000 guests annually. This prime location offers direct access to prominent cultural and leisure destinations, including the Abu Dhabi Port, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, and the Corniche. By situating the heliport here, the project leverages existing infrastructure to seamlessly integrate advanced air mobility solutions into the city’s fabric, enhancing connectivity for both residents and visitors
Acknowledgments:
We extend our gratitude to Archer Aviation and Falcon Aviation Services for their collaboration and trust in our expertise. We also acknowledge the GCAA for their guidance and approval, which has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
Our partners are kindly reminded to retain authorship credit and original markings/logos when publicly sharing our design materials — respecting the collaborative efforts that brought this to life.
Interested in hybrid heliport or vertiport design? Our team is ready to support forward-thinking aviation infrastructure projects across the region and globally.
✉️ Get in touch with our design team: info@airsynapsis.com