Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Economic Development Corporation have announced plans to transform the Downtown Manhattan Heliport into a facility with the capacity to support electric flight technologies. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance urban sustainability and reduce noise pollution in New York City.
The NYCEDC will issue a Request for Proposal for upgrading the Downtown Manhattan Heliport to accommodate electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, focusing on last-mile and maritime freight distribution. The project aims to improve the quality of life in the city by introducing quieter helicopter alternatives and reducing reliance on traditional, noisier aviation technology.
Illustration of a possible last-mile marine micro-distribution configuration at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, via edc.nyc
This initiative aligns with Mayor Adams’ economic recovery strategy post-COVID-19 and is consistent with his Working People’s Tour. It is also part of the broader PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done and the Making New York Work for Everyone action plans, emphasizing the use of waterways for freight movement to reduce truck dependence and enhance road safety.
The RFP seeks an operator for the Downtown Manhattan Heliport that can integrate infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft, including charging stations and other utilities, ahead of FAA certification expected by 2025. The project also includes developing a facility for last-mile micro-distribution, funded partly by a U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration grant, to improve the efficiency of freight movement.
Proposals must address community concerns about noise pollution, provide workforce training programs in aviation and related sectors, and emphasize engagement with minority- and women-owned business enterprises. The plan aims to position New York City at the forefront of sustainable urban mobility and electric aviation technology.
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Will they be Turkish electric helicopters?
The noise comes from the wind generated by the rotors, and currently non-existent electric helicopters wouldn’t really solve that. The only answer is to ban these horrible toys for the entitled privileged, and get to the airport or Hamptons like everyone else does.
These project isn’t about passenger helicopters. It’s about cargo helicopters that will bring products to be distributed throughout lower Manhattan, so this has nothing to do with getting rich people to the Hamptons or the airport. It’s all right there in the 5 paragraph article, so maybe read before jumping to conclusions next time.
boom