Mayor Eric Adams' administration has selected two foreign companies to operate the helipad in downtown Manhattan, but because the presidential helicopter Marine One uses the helipad, some national security concerns have been raised. This is causing concern for people.
The City Economic Development Corporation will operate the city-owned Downtown Heliport in partnership with Skyports Infrastructure, the UK-based operator of London Heliport, and French group ADP, which operates three of Paris' airports. The company selected Downtown Skyport LLC.
The helipad in downtown Manhattan is used by Marine One and the U.S. military and federal law enforcement authorities.
“Given the sensitive activities that take place there, I don't think that's a wise choice. I'm surprised,” Jonathan Wakurow, who spent 14 years as a special agent in the U.S. Secret Intelligence Service, told the Post. .
“That raises a red flag. It's bizarre and should certainly be questioned. Critical infrastructure should not be operated by foreign companies.”
He argued that foreigners would also have access to national security information and asked, “Where is this information going?”
There were at least two assassination attempts on President-elect Donald Trump during the campaign.
The city's Franchise and Review Board is expected to approve the contract after a public hearing Monday.
Wakulow, who served as former President Barack Obama's security chief, said the downtown helipad was a key post providing access from Pier 6 at the Battery near Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He said there was.
The new European airline will replace Manhattan-based Saker Aviation Services.
The current airline faced controversy last year when it was revealed that William Wachtel, chairman of Saker Aviation's board of directors, was a law partner of EDC director Morris Misley.
The subsequent contract was awarded to Downtown Skyport through competitive bidding.
The companies developed the use of quieter electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, a top priority for Mayor Adams.
Helicopter noise has long been a major concern for New York City residents, with 59,000 complaints recorded last year.
EDC officials defended the selection of the European-based Downtown Skyport.
“NYCEDC is proud to welcome Downtown Skyport as the new operator of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport,” Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, said in a statement. said.
“With its expertise in global transportation, Downtown Skyport is perfectly positioned to advance the Adams Administration’s vision to transform DMH into a state-of-the-art mobility hub, offering a quieter alternative to traditional helicopters. By integrating eVTOL technology, a greener alternative, and facilitating ocean freight and last-mile delivery, this initiative will not only reduce truck traffic, but also significantly improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. “I'll let you do it,” he said.
EDC officials said the parent company checked with appropriate federal agencies about the possibility of hiring foreign operators as part of the bidding process.
EDC said those investigations determined that there was no safety risk to Marine One or other official U.S. government helicopters that land at the helipad.
The deal provides for a five-year, $14.7 million commitment from February 2025 to January 2030, with three five-year renewal options through 2045.
Downtown Skyport will initially pay the city a minimum of $2.75 million to operate the airport, which will increase to the greater of 4% annually or 42.5% of gross revenue, the newspaper said. Terms and conditions Reviewed by Crain's New York Business.
The helipad is still owned by New York City. Operations are managed through a concession agreement, which EDC may terminate at its discretion.
