The United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) have announced that VDX, the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport, has received regulatory certification for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations.
“Officially registered as VDX under the GCAA certification process, the facility is the world’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport to receive regulatory certification, paving the way for the future commencement of commercial air taxi services in Dubai,” say the organisations in a press release. “VDX will serve as the first and primary hub within Dubai’s planned air taxi network, with three additional vertiports currently under development. The network and vertiports are being developed by Skyports in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The certification followed a comprehensive GCAA assessment covering the vertiport’s infrastructure, physical characteristics, operational procedures, safety management arrangements, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, say the two organisations. The certification supports the objectives of “We the UAE 2031” and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by advancing innovation, attracting investment, supporting economic diversification and enabling sustainable mobility solutions.
VDX includes two dedicated take-off and landing areas, rapid charging infrastructure for electric aircraft and high throughput passenger facilities. The four-storey facility spans approximately 3,100 square metres and can accommodate up to 170,000 passengers annually once commercial operations commence.
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