UAE drafts national regulation for vertiports in world-first

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has drafted the world's first national regulation related to vertiports as part of efforts to support the development of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

It covers the design and operational requirements of vertiports while ensuring a regulatory environment that supports the efficient and safe operation of VTOL aircraft.

The draft regulation has been released for industry consultation, and its final version is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2023.

The rapid and increasing development of electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has created an imperative for new infrastructure, networks and new regulatory approaches.

The demand for vertiports continues to accelerate as eVTOL manufacturers aim to launch their aircraft by 2024.

This new mode of transportation is designed to ensure rapid movement of passengers within cities and reducing traffic jams, as well as rapid logistical responses to emergencies and easy access to markets.

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.

"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," said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA.

"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," he added.