Politics & Government

Electric Helicopters Could Find Home At NYC's Main Heliport

The Downtown Manhattan Heliport would be the world's first heliport to support quiet electric choppers, city officials said.

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Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball announce the aim to become the first heliport in the world with the infrastructure to support electric flight Monday.
Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball announce the aim to become the first heliport in the world with the infrastructure to support electric flight Monday. (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

NEW YORK CITY — The annoying thrum of gas-powered helicopters circling Manhattan could be silenced by a new city effort to jumpstart an electric chopper hub.

Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a plan Monday to turn the Downtown Manhattan Heliport into the world's first heliport with infrastructure to support electric-powered flight.

"We're going to reimagine the asset as a new hub for sustainable transportation," he said.

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Adams said the city will seek proposals for a future operator who can turn the city's main heliport into a hub that supports electric vertical take-off and landing, or eVTOL, aircraft.

The announcement was paired with a demonstration of quiet-flying electric helicopters by Joby and Volocopter.

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