Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Archer Aviation Inc., has announced an innovative initiative to establish the first hospital-based vertiport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This project aims to facilitate direct access to the hospital through the use of eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, significantly reducing travel times compared to conventional ground transportation methods.
Enhancing Travel Efficiency
The primary objective of this partnership is to enable rapid travel from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to nearby locations in just a matter of minutes. The operations will utilize Archer’s Midnight aircraft, which is designed to accommodate up to four passengers. Notably, this aircraft operates with lower noise levels and reduces emissions compared to traditional helicopters.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Archer Aviation are exploring various applications for the eVTOL operations. One key area is non-emergency passenger use, which aims to improve accessibility for patients and visitors, thereby positioning the hospital as a significant regional hub for medical tourism. Additionally, the partnership focuses on time-critical organ transport, which is vital for the hospital’s active organ transplant program.
Building a Sustainable Air Mobility Ecosystem
Archer plans to assist Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in upgrading its existing helipad into a hybrid vertiport. This upgraded facility will accommodate both traditional helicopter operations and eVTOL aircraft, aligning with the regulatory framework established by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for hybrid vertiports.
Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited about the partnership with Archer to advance access to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s patient-centered care. This new mode of emission-free transport aligns with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainability, gives additional options to many patients travelling to our hospital for care, and provides our thriving organ transplant program with fast logistics.”
This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility in the UAE, reflecting a commitment to innovation and sustainability in medical transport. As the project progresses, it promises to reshape the way patients and medical professionals connect with vital healthcare services.
