The Abu Dhabi Airports has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with French engineering and operations firm Groupe ADP to develop flying airport taxis.

Under the agreement, both parties will explore the potential of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to transport people and cargo to and from their homes, hotels and airports.

The Abu Dhabi Airports will partner with Groupe ADP in planning, designing, developing, and operating the ground infrastructure for the future AAM in the country, Arabian Business reported.

The deal, which the parties signed recently at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2022, also included the conduct of a feasibility study and market assessment to develop the industry roadmap.

The AAM is an innovative system that uses electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to service customers and combines advanced flight technologies and eco-friendly aircraft designs.

"This new system integrates flight technologies with transformational aircraft designs which utilize electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically, enabling sustainability in air transport for both passengers and cargo," Abu Dhabi Airport Managing Director and CEO, Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, said, according to Khaleej Times.

"This agreement is a testament to our commitment to lead the way by collaborating with our partners to deliver innovation and technology that drives efficiency, convenience and most importantly, sustainability," he added.

Groupe ADP Airport Services Managing Director Philippe Martinet said he was looking forward to the collaboration, Arabian Business reported.

"We are proud to enter this partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports to collaborate on building the AAM roadmap and accelerating the development of the necessary infrastructure in Abu Dhabi," he said. "With our hands-on experience in the Paris region today, and our deep understanding of the industry, its infrastructure and operational challenges, we will be supporting Abu Dhabi Airports in laying the ground for AAM service implementation in Abu Dhabi."

"We have a long history of working closely with our partners and look forward to supporting Abu Dhabi Airports with their long-term strategy in innovation and sustainability," he continued.

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AFP