Ras Al Khaimah is all set to get its first set of electric air taxi services by 2027. Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) have signed a future-forward Memorandum of Understanding with Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), the company leading the development of vertiport infrastructure for electric air taxi services.
As per the agreement, the entities will work together to plan, construct, and manage Ras Al Khaimah's initial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi system, aiming to start commercial services by 2027.
This innovative project will seamlessly integrate Skyports' vertiport infrastructure with RAKTA's existing transport network, providing fast and convenient zero-emission transport to Ras Al Khaimah's most popular areas and attractions, including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra and Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak.
Visitors and locals exploring these destinations will enjoy significant time reductions with this service. For instance, the trip from Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais typically lasts about one hour and 10 minutes by car. With the introduction of air taxi services, this travel time will be shortened to under 20 minutes.
The vertiport network will transform transportation in the Emirate and support its objective of responsibly driving 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.
This Deal Focuses On Reducing Carbon Emissions
Furthermore, this initiative directly tackles the pressing requirement for inventive measures to reduce carbon emissions in land transportation, a sector responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in the travel and tourism sector, as emphasised by the World Travel and Tourism Council. Moreover, it will open up future possibilities for integration with air taxi networks throughout the UAE.
Duncan Walker, CEO and founder of Skyports expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with leading transport and tourism organisations in Ras Al Khaimah to launch electric air taxi services. This partnership reflects their dedication to providing essential infrastructure for zero-emission aviation across the UAE.