The UAE will soon see the launch of its first hospital-based vertiport, which will enable air taxis to swiftly transport patients to critical care facilities in minutes. Announced on Wednesday this pioneering venture is a collaboration between Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Archer Aviation Inc.
Archer will convert Cleveland Clinic's existing helipad into a versatile vertiport, capable of handling both traditional helicopter operations and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The new facility is expected to drastically reduce travel time, enabling quick air transit to medical centers and other vital locations. This development promises to revolutionize patient transportation, cutting down travel times from hours to just minutes.
The aircraft used for these services will be Archer’s electric eVTOL, Midnight, which can carry up to four passengers. Designed to be quieter and more eco-friendly than traditional helicopters, Midnight produces significantly less noise and fewer emissions. The aircraft will be deployed for a variety of use cases, from non-emergency patient transport to time-sensitive organ delivery.
In addition to patient transport, the vertiport will help facilitate faster commutes for non-medical passengers, potentially changing the way people travel between the hospital and surrounding areas. It will also play a crucial role in emergency situations where every second counts.
Archer’s venture marks a major milestone in its plan to expand its air mobility network in the UAE. This vertiport will build on the company's previous success with its hybrid vertiport at Abu Dhabi's Cruise Terminal, which was approved earlier this year. Archer's Chief Growth and Infrastructure Officer, Bryan Bernhard, emphasized the broader vision, describing the project as "connecting not just places, but pillars of life in Abu Dhabi."
"With the GCAA's partnership, we are unlocking a city-wide ecosystem for advanced air mobility," Bernhard added, highlighting the company’s commitment to improving urban mobility and healthcare access across the UAE.
This announcement follows the successful test flight of an eVTOL aircraft earlier this year in Abu Dhabi, where an EHang EH216‑S aircraft took off from the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal helipad. The aircraft, which is touted as the world’s first certified pilotless, two-seater eVTOL, demonstrated the feasibility of urban air mobility in one of the region's most bustling cities.
Archer’s flying taxi service is expected to roll out by the end of this year, with preparations well underway. The company is working closely with Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) to facilitate Midnight’s operations within the UAE, including pilot training, flight operations, and community engagement.
The Midnight aircraft is designed for rapid, back-to-back flights, with minimal charge times between trips, making it perfect for the fast-paced demands of urban transportation. It will reduce travel times between cities from 60–90 minutes by car to just 10–30 minutes, effectively connecting different emirates and improving accessibility.
As the UAE continues to lead in innovation and infrastructure, the launch of the hospital-based vertiport is expected to set a new standard for air mobility and patient care.
Source: Khaleej Times
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
