Following the implementation of new laws, flying taxis in the UAE took another step toward becoming a reality. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority has published the world-first national regulation related to vertiports. So-called vertiports, derived from the words “vertical” and “airport,” are facilities for airborne vehicles such as air taxis that take off vertically.
The new regulations support rapid developments and continued worldwide investment in the UAE’s highly progressive and competitive aviation industry. They cover the design and operational requirements of vertiports while ensuring a regulatory environment that supports the efficient and safe operation of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
The proposed amendments of the new draft regulation have been released for industry consultation, and it will be published later in its final version in the first quarter of 2023. The rapid and increasing development of electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, often known as flying taxis, have created an imperative for new infrastructure, new networks and new regulatory approaches.
The demand for vertiports continues to accelerate as eVTOL manufacturers aim to launch their aircraft by 2024. As a potential global network is envisaged by 2030, this novel carbon-neutral industry must be served by suitable, safe and regulated infrastructure. Through safe and orderly infrastructure, the promises associated with this new mode of transportation include ensuring rapid movement of passengers within cities and reducing traffic jams, as well as rapid logistical responses to emergencies and easy access to markets across cities.
The UAE vertiports regulation strengthens the UAE’s Urban Air Mobility proposition while at the same time enhancing the level of safety within the aviation sector, and proactively provides a unique certification and regulatory oversight framework for vertiports. This increases the safety of our critical national infrastructure and aviation system while maintaining the UAE’s pioneering status within the global aviation industry.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said, “The proactive development of a regulatory framework for vertiports establishes a foundation within the UAE to ensure safe and seamless operation of urban air mobility. “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 world’s first electric flying car, designed by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng, conducted test flights in Dubai in October. The test flight was hosted by the Dubai International Chamber, one of three Chambers operating under Dubai Chambers. The eVTOL X2 flying automobile can travel at a top speed of 130 kph while emitting no carbon dioxide during flight. It was built with low-altitude city flying in mind.
