Downtown Manhattan Heliport gets new operator (to prepare for eVTOLs)
A Skyports and Groupe ADP joint venture has been selected as the new operator of Downtown Manhattan Heliport by New York City Economic Development Corporation. The partners will operate under the joint venture Downtown Skyport to run the facility and upgrade it for the arrival of eVTOLs.
Downtown Skyport will become the world’s first city to adapt its heliport infrastructure to support sustainable air mobility technologies and improve last-mile and maritime freight distribution, according to Skyports.
The new joint venture will take over management of the facility in early 2025. In addition to continuing operations it will upgrade the city-owned heliport to provide infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft and last-mile maritime freight delivery. The completion of the design and permitting process for the new eVTOL charging infrastructure and last-mile maritime infrastructure is scheduled for 2026.
Andrew Kimball, president and CEO, New York City Economic Development Corporation said the new facility will help to improve citizen’s lives. “By integrating eVTOL technology – a quieter, greener alternative to traditional helicopters – 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.”
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports said: “Integrating eVTOL infrastructure and maritime freight capabilities at DMH [Downtown Manhattan Heliport], 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. This milestone positions New York City as a leader in quiet, electric mobility solutions and sets a benchmark for cities across the U.S. and globally.”
Both joint venture partners already run 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. It is also part of a joint venture operating New York Stewart International Airport.
The selection of Skyports and Groupe ADP follows a Franchise and Concession Review Committee public hearing approval. The selection process followed a call from mayor Adams and city’s development corporation last November 2023 for a new plan to transform the heliport into a sustainable, multi-modal transportation and logistics hub.
