New York City is solidifying its position as a forward-thinking metropolis by renewing its partnership with Atlantic Aviation for the East 34th Street Heliport. This five-year extension isn’t just business as usual; it’s a strategic move to transform the heliport into a pioneering hub for sustainable aviation. The core of this transformation lies in the mandated build-out and installation of electric charging infrastructure, specifically designed to accommodate the anticipated certification of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), potentially as early as 2025.
This initiative builds upon Mayor Adams’ broader vision for a more sustainable and livable New York. The East 34th Street Heliport is poised to become a cornerstone of this vision, mirroring the ambitious plans already underway at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (DMH). Last year’s announcement regarding DMH as a sustainable transportation hub, featuring groundbreaking eVTOL demonstration flights from companies like Joby and Volocopter, signaled NYC’s commitment to embracing innovative air mobility solutions. BETA Technologies further showcased this future by demonstrating their interoperable electric charger at DMH, a technology slated for deployment at the East 34th Street Heliport.
Atlantic Aviation’s investment in the East 34th Street Heliport is a crucial step in positioning New York City at the forefront of the burgeoning eVTOL industry. This transition to electric aircraft promises significant quality of life improvements for New Yorkers. eVTOLs are inherently quieter than traditional helicopters, addressing a major concern associated with urban heliports. Furthermore, the electric nature of these aircraft aligns with the city’s broader sustainability goals, paving the way for greener transportation alternatives. Crucially, the renewal agreement ensures the continuation of existing quality of life measures at the East 34th Street Heliport, including strict operating hour limitations, weekend closures, caps on flight volume, and a ban on sightseeing flights.
Andrew Kimball, President & CEO of NYCEDC, emphasized the city’s proactive stance: “New York City is leading the way in embracing this exciting new technology—electric vertical take-off and landing—that will bring significant quality of life improvements for New Yorkers and new sustainable transportation. NYCEDC looks forward to working with Atlantic Aviation in our continued partnership as they ready East 34th Street for quieter and greener helicopter alternatives and ensuring this site is a true asset for New Yorkers.”
John Redcay, Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer at Atlantic Aviation, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Atlantic Aviation is firmly committed to continuing our position as the leader in innovation and sustainability within the business aviation industry. 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.”
The East 34th Street Heliport has been operated by Atlantic Aviation since October 2019, and this renewal extends their operation through September 2029. Across their national network, Atlantic Aviation is actively collaborating with leading eVTOL manufacturers, anticipating FAA certification and commercial operations. Their partnership with Con Edison, including site assessments and ongoing collaboration on electrification plans, underscores their commitment to a seamless transition at the East 34th Street location.
Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias, a strong advocate for decarbonization, highlighted the city’s leadership in this sector: “Today’s announcement underscores New York City’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable transportation, and I am proud of the oversight I’ve provided in advancing the electrification of our heliports… By retrofitting the East 34th Street Heliport for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts, we are reinforcing our city’s commitment to quieter, cleaner skies and a more sustainable future.”
Josh Rousseau of Vertical Aviation International recognized the broader significance of this renewal: “This five-year renewal recognizes the vital importance of current operations at the East 34th Street Heliport, as well as the critical need to make real investments for the future capabilities of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and eVTOL aircraft.”
Melissa Elstein, Chair of Stop the Chop NY/NJ, representing community concerns about helicopter noise and pollution, offered cautious optimism: “Stop the Chop NY/NJ is pleased that NYC EDC is taking steps to reduce the negative impacts of noisy and polluting fossil-fueled helicopters by transitioning to cleaner, electric alternatives… We know that eVTOLs will be quieter and spew fewer harmful emissions across NYC, ensuring a better quality of life and environment for all New Yorkers. We encourage the EDC to mandate the use of these aircrafts once they are federally certified for commercial use.”
As New York City moves forward with electrifying the East 34th Street Heliport, it is also progressing with the procurement process for the future operator of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. This parallel effort further emphasizes the city’s comprehensive approach to establishing itself as a leader in sustainable urban air mobility. The future of the East 34th Street Heliport and DMH promises a quieter, greener, and more innovative aviation landscape for New York City.
