Downtown Skyport is to be the new operator of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in New York following a Franchise and Concession Review Committee public hearing approval of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Following a competitive Request for Proposal process, Downtown Skyport will take over management, continuing existing operations and upgrading the City-owned heliport to provide the supporting infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft, as well as last-mile maritime freight delivery. In November 2023, Mayor Adams and NYCEDC had shared a vision of transforming the heliport into a sustainable, multi-modal transportation and logistics hub.

Downtown Skyport is a joint venture between Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), a provider of ground infrastructure for the AAM industry, and Groupe ADP, a leader in airport design, construction, financing and operation. Skyports and Groupe ADP have extensive experience in 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 and is part of a joint venture operating New York Stewart International airport.

Following a transition period with the heliport’s current operator, Downtown Skyport will assume control of operations in early 2025. The targeted completion of the design and permitting process for the new charging infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft and last-mile maritime infrastructure is 2026.

“NYCEDC is proud to welcome Downtown Skyport as the new operator of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport,” says NYCEDC president and CEO Andrew Kimball. “With its expertise in global transportation, Downtown Skyport is perfectly positioned to advance the Adams administration’s vision of transforming DMH into a hub for cutting-edge mobility. 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.”

“Skyports and Groupe ADP are proud to be selected by NYCEDC to transform the DMH into a future-ready, multi-modal hub,” comments Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports. “By integrating eVTOL infrastructure and maritime freight capabilities at DMH, 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 US and globally. We'd like to thank our industry peers and Skyports’ shareholder ACS Group for their support.”

Last autumn, Joby and Volocopter conducted back-to-back piloted demonstration flights, taking off from DMH and conducting overwater manoeuvres against the backdrop of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty, before touching back down at the heliport. In October, Joby hosted a public electric air taxi display at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal. Even with piloted flight test campaigns underway by multiple eVTOL companies, FAA certification is expected by 2026.

In May 2015, the US Maritime Administration designated the Brooklyn Waterfront as a component of America’s Marine Highway and in 2022, NYCEDC received a $5.16m grant to strengthen critical freight movement on waterways by enabling additional landings to dock watercraft and prepare cargo for local delivery.

The utilisation of marine highway services to transport and deliver cargo helps to reduce emissions, decrease wear and tear on roadways, alleviate supply chain bottlenecks and move goods more quickly from ships to shelves. Further, the competition of each of these sites increases transportation resiliency and redundancy, making New York City better equipped to receive goods during times of emergency or disaster.

Downtown Skyport’s concession agreement at DMH will be for five years with a five-year renewal conditioned upon the timely build-out of the eVTOL charging and maritime freight berthing infrastructure. Two additional five-year renewal options are available at the city’s discretion.