Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Dubai public car parking group Parkin has announced plans to develop parking facilities at new vertiports to be used for eVTOL air services with Skyports Infrastructure. On October 3, the companies signed a memorandum of understanding that they said will contribute to Skyports’ existing partnership with Joby Aviation and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to launch commercial air taxi flights in 2026.
The agreement clears the way to assess which of Parkin’s existing parking lots could be redeveloped as vertiports. In February, the Dubai government granted Joby exclusive access to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2024-02-12/dubai-gives-joby-exclusive-rights-local-evtol-air-taxi-market">local air taxi market</a> for a six-year period, with the RTA providing unspecified financial support to prepare for these services to begin.
Joby commissioned Skyports to design, build, and operate vertiports for its Dubai network. The first four locations to be used for flights will be Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown.
An eVTOL flight from the airport to the Palm Jumeirah resort area is expected to take 10 minutes, compared with a drive of 45 minutes. Joby’s four-passenger aircraft, which will have a range of around 87 nm and fly at up to 174 knots, is expected to complete FAA type certification in time for deliveries to begin in 2025.

Under its agreement with Skyports, Parkin will handle all arrangements for cars to access and park at the vertiport sites, using its existing control technology, payment systems and enforcement processes. The plan to introduce eVTOL air taxi services is part of Dubai’s Green Mobility Strategy and Smart Autonomous Mobility Strategy 2030.
“As the largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services in Dubai, Parkin has a systemic role in enabling mobility to support the expansion plans of the emirate,” said Parkin’s CEO Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali. “Utlilizing our extensive parking network, the implementation of Skyports’ vertiport infrastructure represents a significant opportunity to expand the capabilities of our platform.&nbsp;With a shared focus on multimodal transport technologies, this collaboration will enhance connectivity for both residents and visitors across our city, while at the same time supporting Dubai’s green mobility ambitions."

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Skyports Partners with Parking Group Parkin To Develop Dubai Vertiports

Agreement paves the way for park-and-ride eVTOL air taxi services 

Skyports is developing vertiports for Joby's eVTOL air taxi services in Dubai and will locate some of these at parking lots operated by local company Parkin.

Skyports Partners with Parking Group To Develop Dubai Vertiports

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