Following a competitive request for proposal process, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has selected Downtown Skyport to manage the city-owned Downtown Manhattan Heliport (KJRB) following approval from the Franchise and Concession Review Committee. The company is expected to take over management of existing operations by early 2025, with infrastructure upgrades planned by 2026.

Downtown Skyport is a joint venture between advanced air mobility ground infrastructure provider Skyports Infrastructure and global airport design, construction, finance, and operations leader Groupe ADP. Skyports Infrastructure operates one of two public heliports in London, while Groupe ADP manages airports globally, including Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport. The companies will integrate eVTOL technology at KJRB, which is expected to reduce helicopter noise.

“Today New York City’s Harbor of the Future takes a huge step forward, advancing the city’s vision for an inter-modal, electrified transportation network,” said first deputy mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “I look forward to the execution of this plan and the improvements in quality of life and economic impacts that come with it.”

New eVTOL infrastructure and maritime freight solutions are targeted for completion by 2026. Key upgrades will include installing charging infrastructure to support eVTOL aircraft operations. Downtown Skyport will also focus on workforce development, with training programs to create career pathways in aviation, maritime, logistics, and related sectors. The company will ensure diversity in the project, with a goal of 30% participation from minority- and women-owned business enterprises in the development and construction activities.

“Skyports and Groupe ADP are proud to be selected by NYCEDC to transform the Downtown Manhattan Heliport into a future-ready, multi-modal hub,” said Skyports Infrastructure CEO Duncan Walker. “By integrating eVTOL infrastructure and maritime freight capabilities…the facility will serve as a lynchpin to advance the city’s goals of creating a comprehensive micro-distribution network along the ‘Blue Highway’ and improve quality of life for New Yorkers. This milestone positions New York City as a leader in quiet, electric mobility solutions and sets a benchmark for cities across the U.S. and globally.”