LODD, an Abu Dhabi-based company specialising in AI-powered drone technology and autonomous aerial logistics, along with Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility industry, have unveiled vertiport designs to be developed across three strategic locations -  Al Bateen, Yas Island, and Khalifa Port - in the UAE capital. 

 

This project aims to enhance air mobility solutions, integrating them into Abu Dhabi’s transportation network to accelerate cargo movement and improve logistical efficiency in the capital.

 

The announcement was made during LODD’s participation in the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025, held recently in Abu Dhabi. 

 

During the event, LODD signed an MoU with Skyports which will connect key sites within the emirate, with potential for connectivity between locations across the UAE. 

 

The development of a vertiport network will support the operation of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and autonomous aerial logistics across the emirates, it added.

 

At the event, LODD experts provided insights into the comprehensive efforts behind the vertiport project in Al Bateen, Yas Island, and Khalifa Port. More than 34 stakeholders were involved, and 14 potential sites were assessed, culminating in a detailed feasibility study submitted to the Abu Dhabi government.

 

On the key partnership, CEO Rashid Al Mannai said building of vertiports represents a significant step toward integrating unmanned aerial mobility into Abu Dhabi’s public transportation system. 

 

The designs are the result of extensive feasibility studies, fruitful collaboration with stakeholders, and a clear vision for scalable air mobility operations, he noted.

 

"Abu Dhabi serves as a global model for air mobility, thanks to its progressive systems. These vertiports will lay the foundation for a future-ready air mobility network, supporting both commercial eVTOL passenger services and autonomous aerial logistics," he stated.

 

Skyports CEO Duncan Walker said the unveiling of these designs and signing of an MOU highlights the progress being made to define and develop Abu Dhabi’s AAM infrastructure network. 

 

"As our vertiport concept designs show, cargo is just as important to Abu Dhabi’s AAM future as passenger operations. The development of a comprehensive passenger and cargo network will enable us to bring wide ranging benefits to the Emirate, for both people and businesses," he added.-TradeArabia News Service