Abu Dhabi Airports announce electric flying taxi to take passengers home
In the near future, commuters will be able to fly in from international destinations to Abu Dhabi International Airport, and then take a flying electric taxi home.
With the objective of deploying a new concept of air transportation that uses electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to move people and cargo, Abu Dhabi Airports has signed a memorandum of understanding with leading French firm Groupe ADP to explore its potential.
Abu Dhabi Airports and Groupe ADP will engage in the joint planning, design, development, and operation of ground infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Abu Dhabi, following engagement with stakeholders, a feasibility study and market assessment to develop the roadmap.
Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports said: “We are excited to partner with industry-leading Groupe ADP to explore the potential of introducing AAM to Abu Dhabi. This new system integrates flight technologies with transformational aircraft designs which utilise electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically, enabling sustainability in air transport for both passengers and cargo.
Groupe ADP is one of few airport operators to be present in all aspects of the airport value chain – from upstream studies in engineering, master planning and design, to the commissioning and operation of complex infrastructure (terminals, runways, baggage sorting, etc.).
The company develops, operates and develops the three main Paris airports under the Paris Aéroport banner – Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly and Paris-Le Bourget, as well as some ten civil aviation aerodromes in the Paris region. It is active in 125 airports in 50 countries worldwide and operates, directly or indirectly, a network of 29 airports worldwide in 2021.
Philippe Martinet, Managing Director of Groupe ADP Airport Services, added: “We are proud to enter this partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports to collaborate on building the AAM roadmap and accelerating the development of the necessary infrastructure in Abu Dhabi.
“With our hands-on experience in the Paris region today, and our deep understanding of the industry, its infrastructure and operational challenges, we will be supporting Abu Dhabi Airports in laying the ground for AAM service implementation in Abu Dhabi.”
