Skyports and Linden partner to transform Watson Island heliport into advanced air mobility hub

Credit: Skyports

Skyports Infrastructure and Linden Airport Services Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop, modernise and operationalise Miami’s Watson Island Heliport, creating an immediate landing zone for helicopters and a future hub for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

The collaboration aims to transform the historic Watson Island site into one of the most advanced urban aviation facilities in the United States. The upgraded heliport will support both traditional rotorcraft operations and next generation eVTOL services, positioning Miami at the forefront of the emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.

The project will bring together industry-leading partnerships and relationships, including engagement with helicopter and eVTOL operators, collaboration with real estate developers, and preparations for the introduction of future eVTOL services. A comprehensive development plan will set out how the site can be adapted to support safe, efficient and scalable urban aviation operations.

Watson Island has a long aviation history dating back to the early 20th century and once played a central role in Miami’s vertical aviation network. Its location makes it uniquely strategic, as the closest landing zone to Miami Beach and just minutes from Downtown Miami, Brickell, Fisher Island, Star Island, Palm Island, Hibiscus Island and the Port of Miami. This central position gives the heliport unmatched accessibility for residents, visitors and commercial operators, reinforcing its importance as South Florida prepares to become a leading global market for eVTOL operations.

Linden Airport Services Corporation has been involved with the Watson Island Heliport project for more than 20 years, having been awarded the original heliport contract and working to secure Federal Aviation Administration and Florida Department of Transportation approvals. Final local occupancy permits are now in process. Linden’s experience managing Linden Airport in New Jersey, a major helicopter base serving the New York metropolitan area, complements Skyports’ operational expertise as the manager of the Downtown Skyport in New York, the world’s busiest civilian commercial heliport.

Together, Skyports and Linden will assess the highest and best use of the Watson Island Heliport, with the goal of restoring it to prominence while supporting the long-term growth of advanced air mobility in Miami.

“Watson Island is an extraordinary asset for Miami and a pivotal location for the future of urban aviation,” said Robbie Ladov, General Manager of US Heliports and Vertiports at Skyports Infrastructure. “By partnering with Linden, we are combining Skyports’ global leadership in skyport development with Linden’s decades-long dedication to preparing this site. Together, we are laying the foundation for a next generation facility that will serve the region for decades to come.”

Paul Dudley, CEO of Linden Airport Services Corporation, added: “Our commitment to Watson Island spans more than 20 years, navigating regulatory and operational milestones to get this site ready for the future. Partnering with Skyports enables us to advance the heliport into a modern skyport, engage key aviation and real estate partners, and help establish Miami as a leader in advanced air mobility.”

Both organisations will continue to work closely with local authorities and industry stakeholders as development progresses.

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