“Downtown Skyport to be New Operator for New York Manhattan Heliport, First Global City to Support Such Infrastructure”

Downtown Skyport (DS), a joint venture between Skyports Infrastructure and Group ADP, has been chosen by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), as the new operator for the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (DMH), following a Franchise and Concession Review Committee (FCRC) public hearing approval, reports a press release. 

In November 2023, Mayor Adams and NYCEDC announced a new vision of transforming the heliport into a sustainable, multi-modal transportation and logistics hub.

Following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, “Downtown Skyport is to take over management of DMH to continue existing operations and upgrade the City-owned heliport to provide the supporting infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft, as well as last-mile maritime freight delivery,” explains the release. 

Skyports and Groupe ADP have extensive experience in heliport/airport operations. Skyports owns and operates one of two public heliports in London and is developing eVTOL infrastructure across multiple continents. Groupe ADP owns and operates 26 airports worldwide, including Issy-les-Moulineaux Heliport and Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France and is part of a joint venture operating New York Stewart International Airport.  

After a transition period with the heliport’s current operator, DS is to assume control of operations at DMH early next year. The completion date of transforming the heliport for electric air taxis will occur during 2026.

Maria Torres-Springer (Credit: Yahoo News)

Maria Torres-Springer, First Deputy Mayor, remarked, “New York City’s Harbour of the Future takes a huge step forward today, advancing the City’s vision for an inter-modal, electrified transportation network that sets a global example for electrified, quiet flight in urban environments and a Blue Highway network for improved last-mile movement of freight.”

Andrew Kimball, President and CEO of NYCEDC, added, ”With their expertise in global transportation, Downtown Skyport is perfectly positioned to advance the vision of transforming DMH into a hub for cutting-edge mobility. By integrating eVTOL technology and facilitating maritime freight and last-mile deliveries, this initiative will not only reduce truck traffic but bring huge quality of life improvements for all New Yorkers.”

DS has committed to making DMH and the New York City skies quieter and more sustainable by:- 

: Investing in the supporting infrastructure (e.g chargers) and any necessary utility upgrades within the initial five-year term in anticipation of eVTOL certification and commercial viability. 

: Incentivising the adoption of quiet eVTOL technology to address community quality of life concerns. 

: Diversifying DMH activities and mitigating the challenges of traffic congestion in the City by developing and operating a maritime facility for last-mile micro-distribution  funded in part by nearly USD1 million of a USD5 million grant from the U.S Dept of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) grant  awarded to NYCEDC to create and support a “Marine Highway” network.

: Expanding minority and women owned business enterprises (M/WBE) outreach required for all work including 30 percent utilisation goals for site development and construction activities.

: Introducing workforce development training programsthat improve access to career pathways in aviation, maritime, transportation, logistics and other relevant sectors.

: And improvements to the main passenger terminal to enhance the overall customer experience. 

The Present Day Downtown Manhattan Heliport (Credit: Wikipedia)

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, commented, “The facility will serve as a lynchpin to advance the City’s goals of creating a comprehensive micro distribution network along the ‘Blue Highway’ and improve quality of life for New Yorkers.” 

For more information

https://skyports.net/

https://www.parisaeroport.fr/homepage-groupe

(Top image credit: Downtown Skyport)

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The post “Downtown Skyport to be New Operator for New York Manhattan Heliport, First Global City to Support Such Infrastructure” appeared first on eVTOL Insights.

The post “Downtown Skyport to be New Operator for New York Manhattan Heliport, First Global City to Support Such Infrastructure” appeared first on eVTOL Insights.