Air Taxi Takeoff, Landing Getting Set for New York City

The operator of the 34^th Street Heliport in New York City plans to upgrade the heliport to support eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles.

Atlantic Aviation plans to install electric charging stations in time to align with early eVTOL vehicles in service, which could be as early as 2025.

The New York City’s Economic Development Corporation and the City of New York extended the concession agreement for heliport operations with Atlantic Aviation for five years.

The heliport operator is working with Beta Technologies, Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation to adapt the facility to the needs of the electric aerial vehicles (EAV), including takeoff, landing and electric charging.

“Atlantic Aviation is firmly committed to continuing our position as the leader in innovation and sustainability within the business aviation industry,” said John Redcay, chief commercial and sustainability officer at Atlantic Aviation.

“Maintaining our presence at the East 34th Street Heliport and expanding infrastructure there to support eVTOL operations aligns with our commitment to community-beneficial transportation solutions and will support New York City on its journey to facilitating quiet and sustainable aviation operations.” 

Development of the heliport infrastructure for eVTOL vehicles in New York City was announced at a news conference at the Downtown Heliport in Manhattan late last year.

Related:Electric Air Taxi Flies Over New York City; New Heliport Coming

At that event, Joby Aviation featured one of its vehicles in an exhibition flight over New York City, including hovering in front of a media crowd.

Joby has a partnership with Delta Air Lines with New York as one of its early launch markets once approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

The Joby four-passenger EAV is designed for rapid, back-to-back flights and can fly up to 100 miles on a single charge.

Traveling from Manhattan to JFK Airport could be done in seven minutes, JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, said at the time.

Beta Technologies from Burlington, Vermont, has already installed one charging station at the New York heliport.

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Joby has been working on its electric flying vehicles for more than a decade.

German eVTOL maker Volocopter also flew its EAV in another demonstration at the New York heliport, which followed a test flight at Tampa International Airport. 

The Joby commercial passenger service is planned for 2025.