The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Skyports in order to enhance national regulations for clean energy-powered vertiports.
The MoU aims to develop standards designed to accommodate hybrid operations at vertiports, paving the way for operational flexibility and utilization of the existing vertiport infrastructure in the UAE.
The GCAA is working on developing comprehensive standards to facilitate hybrid operations as well as ensure the seamless integration of emerging technologies in the country’s aviation sector, by leveraging Skyports’ expertise in innovative infrastructure solutions.
According to the company, “The collaboration will prioritize two objectives: the development of a Concept of Operations for hybrid operations to assist the GCAA with the definition of infrastructure and operational requirements and the exploration of the viability of using existing heliport infrastructure for eVTOL operations.”
The MoU builds on the foundations laid by the world’s first national regulation for clean energy-powered vertiports, published by the GCAA in 2023.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, stated that, “The signing of this MoU marks a major shift in our efforts to shape the future of aviation in the country. By collaborating with Skyports, we not only enhance our regulatory framework but also accelerate the integration of advanced air mobility solutions into the country’s infrastructure. This partnership confirms our commitment to innovation and reinforces the country’s leading position in aviation excellence.”
Duncan Walker, CEO and Founder of Skyports, said that the partnership is a key milestone in the journey towards integrating electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations with traditional aviation operations.
