BCLP advises Skyports Infrastructure on landmark Vertiport network agreement in RAK

BCLP has advised Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), a leading global developer and operator of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure, in relation to a significant agreement with the Ras al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) for the development of a network of Vertiports to enable AAM within the Emirate.

This agreement represents an expansion in Skyports’ operations in the UAE and builds on a strategic partnership between RAKTA and Skyports that began in 2024 and has progressed through successive stages of planning and development.

The development of an initial 4 Vertiports, with options for expansion to additional sites, will provide supporting infrastructure for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles and traditional helicopter craft. The first planned inter-emirate connection will be with Dubai, complementing the AAM network already being developed there and supporting the longer-term development of an interconnected air mobility ecosystem across the UAE.

The BCLP team working across the London and UAE offices was made up of Mark Richards (partner, Energy, Environment & Infrastructure), Philip Hecht (partner, Real Estate Middle East), Hansy McDonald (senior associate, Energy, Environment & Infrastructure), Hannah Gohar (senior associate, Real Estate Middle East), Zofia Bernard (associate, Real Estate Middle East) and David Nunn (consultant, Real Estate Middle East).

Jones Day acted for RAKTA.