New York City is taking significant strides towards a greener future in urban transportation, starting with a major upgrade to the East 34th Street Manhattan Heliport. In a recent announcement, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) revealed a five-year contract renewal with Atlantic Aviation, the current operator of this key aviation hub. This renewal is not just business as usual; it’s a commitment to transforming the heliport into a pioneering site for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
This initiative builds upon Mayor Adams’ broader vision for sustainable transportation across New York City. The renewed agreement mandates Atlantic Aviation to equip the East 34th Street Manhattan Heliport with the necessary infrastructure for eVTOL operations, including the installation of electric charging systems. This forward-thinking move anticipates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for commercial eVTOL flights, expected as early as 2025. Once certified, Atlantic Aviation is obligated to complete the infrastructure build-out within a year, positioning East 34th Street Manhattan as a leader in this emerging aviation technology.
The vision for the East 34th Street Manhattan Heliport aligns with the ongoing transformation of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (DMH). Announced last November, the DMH is set to become a first-of-its-kind hub for sustainable transportation and urban logistics. The DMH initiative included groundbreaking piloted demonstration flights of eVTOL aircraft from industry leaders like Joby and Volocopter, marking a world-first for an urban heliport. Furthermore, BETA Technologies showcased its multimodal interoperable electric charger, a technology that will serve as a blueprint for the charging infrastructure at the East 34th Street Manhattan location.
NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “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.” He further highlighted the continued collaboration with Atlantic Aviation to prepare East 34th Street Manhattan for “quieter and greener helicopter alternatives and ensuring this site is a true asset for New Yorkers.”
Atlantic Aviation’s Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer, John Redcay, echoed this sentiment, affirming their commitment to sustainability and innovation within the aviation sector. “Maintaining our presence at the East 34th Street Manhattan 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,” said Redcay.
The existing operational framework at the East 34th Street Manhattan Heliport, which prioritizes quality of life for city residents, will remain in place. This includes restrictions on operating hours, weekend closures, caps on flight volume, and a ban on sightseeing flights. The transition to eVTOL aircraft is expected to further enhance these quality of life measures due to the significantly quieter nature of electric aircraft compared to traditional helicopters.
Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias, a strong advocate for decarbonization and Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Economic Development, praised the initiative. “Today’s announcement underscores New York City’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable transportation… By retrofitting the East 34th Street Manhattan 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, Northeast US Regional Representative for Vertical Aviation International, also lauded the renewal, recognizing the East 34th Street Manhattan Heliport’s vital role and the crucial investment in the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and eVTOL technology.
Melissa Elstein, Chair of Stop the Chop NY/NJ, a group advocating for reduced helicopter noise pollution, expressed 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,” Elstein stated. She also encouraged NYCEDC to mandate the use of eVTOL aircraft once they receive federal certification, further emphasizing the potential for improved quality of life and environmental benefits for New Yorkers.
As New York City moves forward with electrifying its aviation infrastructure at East 34th Street Manhattan and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, the city is solidifying its position as a global leader in sustainable urban transportation. The focus on eVTOL technology promises not only to revolutionize air travel but also to significantly improve the quality of life for New Yorkers through quieter and cleaner skies. The future of urban air mobility is taking off in New York, with East 34th Street Manhattan at the forefront.
