The United Arab Emirates published on Tuesday the world’s first national regulation related to vertiports to support rapid developments and continued worldwide investment in the country’s highly progressive and competitive aviation industry.

This regulation covers the design and operational requirements of vertiports while ensuring a regulatory environment that supports the efficient and safe operation of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

The proposed amendments of the new draft regulation have been released for industry consultation, and it will be published later in its final version in Q1 2023.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said that the rapid and increasing development of electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has created an imperative for new infrastructure, new networks and new regulatory approaches.

It noted that the demand for vertiports continues to accelerate as eVTOL manufacturers aim to launch their aircraft by 2024.

As a potential global network is envisaged by 2030, this novel carbon-neutral industry must be served by suitable, safe and regulated infrastructure, WAM reported.

Through safe and orderly infrastructure, the promises associated with this new mode of transportation include ensuring rapid movement of passengers within cities and reducing traffic jams, as well as rapid logistical responses to emergencies and easy access to markets across cities.

GCCA said that the new regulation strengthens the UAE’s Urban Air Mobility proposition while enhancing the level of safety within the aviation sector, and proactively providing a unique certification and regulatory oversight framework for vertiports.

This would increase the safety of the country’s critical national infrastructure and aviation system while maintaining its pioneering status within the global aviation industry.

Saif Mohammed al-Suwaidi, GCAA Director-General, said: “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.

He explained that 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 stakeholders in the aviation industry.