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UAE clears way for flying taxis with latest world-first regulation

By Pramod Kumar
heyxpeng.com
The final version of the regulation will be released in the first quarter of 2023

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has issued the world’s first national vertiport regulation taking a further step towards the introduction of flying taxis.

The regulation covers the design and operation of vertiports – areas of land, water, or structures used for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. It is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2023 following a period of consultation.

The demand for vertiports continues to increase as eVTOL manufacturers strive to launch their aircraft by 2024.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, 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.”

In October, the two-seater VTOL electric vehicle, X2, built by Chinese manufacturer Xpeng, made a 90-minute flight in Dubai. The vehicle produces zero carbon dioxide emissions and had been designed with low-altitude city capabilities, reaching a maximum flight speed of 130 kilometres an hour.

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