New York City is launching the transformation of the Downtown Manhattan heliport so that eVTOLs can operate there from 2025. NYC intends to integrate this new generation of electric aircraft into a decarbonized multimodal system.
On November 12, 2023, Volocopter and Joby both flew their eVTOL prototype into the skies of New York, at the initiative of the Mayor of New York and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). This was a public relations operation intended to promote the project to transform the Downtown Manhattan heliport, which aims to become the first heliport in the world equipped with the infrastructure necessary for electric flights, by integrating cargo distribution maritime and last mile. In other words, it is not a question of electrifying the platform, but of making it multimodal and fully integrating eVTOLs.
Joby’s electric air taxi in the skies of New York, piloted by James “Buddy” Denham. © Joby Aviation
« Our vision for the Midtown Manhattan Heliport will create the world’s first heliport with electric aircraft infrastructure and put this public asset to work for New Yorkers as a hub for sustainable transportation and local deliveries. Not only will we put New York City on the cutting edge of sustainable flight while solving a persistent quality of life problem with helicopter noise, but we will also get trucks off the road and make our streets safer. said Eric Adam, Mayor of New York.
This true profession of faith from the mayor of New York is all the more singular given that the same week, the Paris Council opposed the experimentation of eVTOL during the Olympic Games. We also know that the mayor of the 15th arrondissement wants to close the Paris heliport of Issy les Moulineaux.
Volocopter’s two-seater Volocity in the skies of New York where it is obviously more expected than in Paris… © Volocopter
NYCEDC requires the New York Heliport operator to prepare its infrastructure prior to eVTOL certification to position New York City at the forefront and launch the market for this emerging industry. Two eVTOL companies, Joby and Volocopter, were thus invited, on November 12, 2023, to carry out piloted demonstration flights of electric aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing, from a heliport. In addition, Beta Technologies, another company in the sector, presented the multi-modal interoperable electric charger that it has developed. The heliport will provide similar infrastructure for electric aircraft. “ Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration is expected as early as 2025, with commercial flights expected to begin soon after. », conclue la New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).
We’re talking about it Tuesday November 21, 2023, from noon, live on JumpSeat
2023-11-20 08:00:00
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