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The Business Council of New York strongly opposes Intro 0026-2024 which seeks to restrict non-essential helicopter operations at city heliports to only those powered fully by electric engines. While we support the development and adoption of sustainable aviation technologies, this bill would have serious unintended consequences for both the economy and the broader aviation industry.
Helicopter services in New York City are critical for a variety of commercial operations, including logistics, aerial surveying, media coverage, and executive travel. The proposed restriction would limit the flexibility and efficiency of these services by requiring non-essential operations to rely exclusively on electric-powered aircraft, despite the fact that these technologies are still in the early stages of development. The current limitations of electric aircraft, including range, capacity, and infrastructure requirements, make it unfeasible to fully replace traditional helicopters for many non-essential operations at this time.
Imposing such a restriction would disrupt a wide range of industries that depend on helicopter transport to support business functions in the city. This includes companies involved in construction, media, and environmental monitoring, among others, who rely on helicopters for swift, efficient transport. Limiting these operations to only electric-powered helicopters would create significant operational challenges and could potentially lead to service disruptions that harm business productivity and economic activity. In addition, the cost of implementing such a policy serves as an additional tax on businesses who already contend with such a notoriously difficult business environment and complicated regulatory frameworks which consistently driving business out of New York.
Furthermore, while the advancement of electric vertical take-off and landing (e-VTOL) aircraft and other advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies holds great promise, the transition to widespread use of electric-powered helicopters is still a long-term process. The infrastructure to support these new aircraft is not yet fully developed, and the technology itself is still undergoing necessary testing and refinement. By restricting non-essential operations to only electric-powered aircraft, Intro 0026-2024 could delay the important innovations that will eventually contribute to a more sustainable transportation system.
We believe that New York City should continue to foster innovation in aviation technologies, but it is critical that the city’s transportation infrastructure remains flexible and adaptable as these technologies evolve. Rather than imposing premature restrictions, we urge the City Council to allow for the responsible integration of electric-powered aircraft over time while ensuring that the full range of non-essential helicopter operations can continue to meet the diverse needs of businesses and industries in the city.
For these reasons, the Business Council of New York State urges the City Council to reject Intro 0026-2024 and adopt a more balanced approach that supports technological progress without disrupting essential economic activities.