Archer Secures UAE GCAA Approval to Transform Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal Helipad Into Nation’s First Hybrid Heliport, Accelerating Commercial Air Taxi Services
In a landmark development for the future of urban air mobility in the United Arab Emirates, Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) has received official design approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for the transformation of a helipad at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal into the country’s first hybrid heliport. This pivotal approval marks a significant milestone in Archer’s broader strategy to roll out commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft services across the region.
The project, a collaborative effort between Archer and its local infrastructure partner Falcon Aviation Services, is set to redefine the landscape of air travel in the UAE. Once completed, this hybrid facility will become a central node in Archer’s advanced air mobility (AAM) network, with commercial operations expected to launch in partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA).
GCAA Leads with Global First in Regulatory Framework for Hybrid Infrastructure
Perhaps even more significant than the approval itself is the regulatory innovation that made it possible. The UAE’s GCAA has become the first civil aviation authority globally to develop and formalize a regulatory framework specifically for hybrid infrastructure—designed to support the safe, integrated, and efficient operation of both traditional helicopters and eVTOL aircraft from a single facility.
These new standards—set to be finalized and published by July 2025—were shaped through extensive industry consultation and are designed to serve as a global benchmark for future hybrid heliport and vertiport projects. They emphasize safety, adaptability, and interoperability, ensuring that infrastructure can accommodate emerging technologies while maintaining continuity with existing aviation operations.
“This milestone is not just about infrastructure—it reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility,” said His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA. “Through our close collaboration with Archer and Falcon Aviation Services, we are enabling a future where sustainable, high-tech air transport becomes a core part of our urban landscape. This approval represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision.”
Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the GCAA’s Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, echoed this sentiment, adding: “By developing the world’s first regulatory standards for hybrid infrastructure, the GCAA is positioning the UAE at the forefront of global aviation innovation. This framework ensures that our air mobility infrastructure is safe, efficient, and adaptable—laying the foundation for the seamless integration of both helicopters and next-generation eVTOL aircraft within a unified operational environment.”
Strategic Site Selection at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal
The helipad selected for conversion is located at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, a major tourism hub that welcomes more than 650,000 visitors annually. This location was deliberately chosen by Archer for its strategic value—it offers direct connectivity to several of the capital’s most iconic cultural, recreational, and business districts. These include the Abu Dhabi Port, the world-renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi, the soon-to-be-completed Saadiyat Cultural District, and the scenic Corniche waterfront promenade.
“This heliport has long served as a gateway for visitors to explore Abu Dhabi from the sky, and its transformation into a hybrid heliport marks an exciting new chapter,” said Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services. “We are proud to support the UAE’s vision by introducing future-ready infrastructure that not only enhances our tourism offering but also supports the shift toward more sustainable and advanced air mobility solutions.”
By repurposing an existing aviation asset rather than constructing an entirely new vertiport, Archer is able to significantly reduce both costs and construction time. This approach also leverages the regulatory clearances, airspace planning, and physical infrastructure already in place—allowing the company to accelerate the timeline toward commercial readiness.
“Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and co-founder of Archer. “It allows us to move both quickly and safely—getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial launch. This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, ADIO and our local operating partners.”
Technical Upgrades to Enable Hybrid Operations
To support both helicopters and eVTOL aircraft, the site will undergo substantial technical upgrades. These include the integration of high-capacity electric charging stations, enhanced safety systems tailored to vertical electric aircraft, and updated landing systems designed to accommodate the unique operating characteristics of eVTOLs.
The dual-use design aligns with Archer’s global vision of building flexible and scalable urban air mobility networks that can serve multiple types of aircraft without requiring multiple, specialized facilities. This not only streamlines operations but also reduces environmental impact and increases the long-term viability of the infrastructure.
The technical aspects of the apron and airspace redesign have been managed by Air Synapsis, a Dubai-based specialist in vertiport and heliport development. With expertise in airspace planning, structural safety, and integration of sustainable design principles, Air Synapsis has played a key role in adapting the facility to meet the demands of hybrid aviation.
A Vision for Advanced Air Mobility in the UAE
This announcement is a clear reflection of the UAE’s long-term strategic ambition to lead the global transition to advanced air mobility. It also reinforces the country’s growing reputation as a hub for next-generation transport innovation, following its early adoption of autonomous vehicles, high-speed rail, and smart city infrastructure.
Archer’s work in Abu Dhabi is just the beginning. The company has signaled its intent to build a wider network of hybrid vertiports across the UAE, enabling a robust air taxi service that could one day connect key urban centers and tourist destinations with unprecedented speed, efficiency, and sustainability.
As the world’s aviation industry prepares for a dramatic shift toward electrified and decentralized air transport, the UAE is once again setting the pace—fusing visionary leadership with practical execution to bring the future of flight closer than ever before.
About Falcon Aviation Services
Falcon Aviation Services is a premier aviation services company in the UAE. Since its founding in 2006 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative, high-quality services to an esteemed clientele. Falcon Aviation Services provides a wide range of Operational and Aviation Support Services, which include Aircraft Charter & Management, Helicopter Sightseeing Tours, Oil and Gas Aviation Support, Maintenance Repair and Overhauling (MRO), Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO), Heliport Management and Inspection, among others.
Falcon Aviation Services has firmly established itself as a leading operator in the UAE and the MENA region aviation industry for its commitment to quality, safety, and excellence