The Story of the Future

"When I look outside my office at the Dubai Helipark, adjacent to the VIP terminal in Al Maktoum International Airport, I can see the progress and the growth right in front of my eyes...

DWC will comprise five parallel runways with a quadruple independent operation, west and east processing terminals, four satellite concourses with over 400 aircraft contact stands, an uninterrupted automated people mover system for passengers, and an integrated landside transport hub for roads, Metro, and city air transport." Chairman and CEO of Emirates

...I should admit that this is a different view altogether, in contrast with the several offices and tall buildings that I was used to seeing before."

This time I have decided to be where it was going to be and see the change with my own eyes. We are in the beginning of transforming the advanced air mobility space in the UAE.        

Pioneering the future of Urban Mobility

Time is the ultimate luxury.

Innovations are designed to offer speed, efficiency, and convenience.

1. Imagine bypassing traffic congestion by hopping onto an air taxi that takes you directly from your doorstep to your destination.
2. Envision vital medical supplies being delivered to remote locations via UAVs, saving lives in the process.

This vision isn't just futuristic—it's happening now. We are proud to contribute to this legacy by setting up vertiports, helipads, and terminals that will serve as the backbone of this new, elevated transportation network.

In the news

At the Dubai Air Show 2023, we signed a MOU with Archer covering the planned purchase  of up to 100 Midnight Aircraft Worth up to $500M. This shows the commitment that the leadership has bestowed on our vision and we thank our partners for their trust and confidence in us.

A couple of months ago, we were issued certification from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to develop new vertiports and heliports. The certification is valid for one year from June 13 and allows us to start designing heliports and vertiports in compliance with the requirements of both the DCAA and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

In the recently concluded Farnborough International in London, we signed a pre-order for ten Integrity electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles with CRISALION . This is in support of the UAE’s strategic mobility plans, where we will work closely together on a growth plan for electric air taxi services in major cities, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Project: "Elevate Maldives"

In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance air mobility across the Maldives, we have announced our exciting new collaboration with the Regional Airports Company Limited and Wings Capital Management Consultancies Co . This partnership marks the initiation of Project Elevate Maldives.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines plans to introduce air taxi services, commercial cargo, and passenger operations using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure. This initiative is set to transform the way goods and passengers are transported across the Maldives, leveraging cutting-edge technology to facilitate efficient island-to-island connections.

The project envisions the establishment of a comprehensive network of vertiports and droneports, enabling seamless connectivity across the Maldives’ 1,200 islands. By fostering a public-private partnership, we aim to revolutionise island air mobility, setting a new standard in regional transportation and logistics.

The integration of eVTOLs and AAM infrastructure not only promises to enhance operational efficiency but also aims to minimise environmental impact. This forward-thinking approach underscores the commitment of the involved parties to advancing eco-friendly transportation solutions while addressing the unique challenges of operating across a vast archipelago.

The initiative aims to develop up to 100 hybrid vertiports across 1,200 islands, featuring Touch Down and Lift-Off (TLOF) areas, Final Approach and Take-Off (FATO) zones, safety zones, terminal waiting areas, charging stations, and fire-retardant systems.

Moreover, the project envisions constructing 500 drone ports dedicated to cargo operations, enhancing first, middle, and last-mile logistics. The project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and seeks carbon credits.

AirTaxi World Congress Event

We are excited to be hosting the spin-off event for introducing OEMs of clean tech aircraft and startup operators planning to fly them to prospective buyers, investors, and regulators. The event will celebrate the redefining of commercial air transport in the UAE as the first movers.

The event commences with a high-level summit; sessions will include:

• Airports of Tomorrow: Pioneering AAM Integration
• Airlines & Operators: The New Reality
• Regional Air Mobility vs Urban Air Mobility
• Heavy Cargo Drones and Delivery Services as a New Market
• USA, China, UK, and Portugal Markets

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the leadership, especially Mr. Shilton Tony Irudayaraj , for their vision and mission and for letting me be part of the future of mobility in the UAE.

I am much humbled and privileged to be part of the team to direct their digital transformation and innovation efforts.

Onwards & upwards!