The administration of Mayor Eric Adams has selected two international companies to manage the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, prompting worries among certain national-security officials due to its use by the President’s Marine One helicopter.
The city’s Economic Development Corporation has chosen Downtown Skyport LLC, a collaboration between Skyports Infrastructure, a UK firm and operator of the London Heliport, and France’s Groupe ADP, which manages three airports in Paris, to oversee the downtown heliport owned by the city.
The Downtown Manhattan Heliport serves as a landing spot for Marine One, along with US military and federal law-enforcement personnel.
“I don’t think it’s a wise choice, given the sensitive activity that happens there. I’m surprised,” said Jonathan Wackrow, who served for 14 years as a special agent in the US Secret Service, to The Post.
“It raises a red flag. It’s odd and should certainly be questioned. Any critical infrastructure should not be operated by a foreign entity.”
He asserted that outsiders will gain access to sensitive national security details and questioned, “Where will this information go?”
During the election campaign, there were at least two plots to take the life of President-elect Donald Trump.
The city committee is anticipated to give the green light to the contract following a public hearing on Monday.
Wackrow, a member of the security detail for former President Barack Obama, emphasized the significance of the Downtown Heliport following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as it facilitated access from Pier 6 in the Battery close to Ground Zero.
Manhattan-based Saker Aviation Services will be succeeded by the new European operators.
Last year’s revelations sparked controversy for the current operator, highlighting the connection between William Wachtel, chairman of Saker Aviation, and Morris Missry, a board member at the EDC, as they are law partners.
The contract was awarded to Downtown Skyport following a competitive bidding process.
The two companies have advanced the development of quieter electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, which is a key focus for Mayor Adams.
Residents of New York City have been grappling with the persistent issue of helicopter noise, leading to a staggering 59,000 complaints filed last year.
Officials from the EDC stood by their choice of the European-based Downtown Skyport.
“NYCEDC is proud to welcome Downtown Skyport as the new operator of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Andrew Kimball in a statement.
“With their expertise in global transportation, Downtown Skyport is perfectly positioned to advance the Adams Administration’s vision of transforming DMH into a hub for cutting-edge mobility. By integrating eVTOL technology — a quieter, greener alternative to traditional helicopters — and facilitating maritime freight and last-mile deliveries, this initiative will not only reduce truck traffic but bring huge quality of life improvements for all New Yorkers,” he said.
During the bidding process, officials indicated that they consulted with relevant federal agencies regarding the potential for engaging an operator whose parent company is located abroad.
The EDC stated that the reviews concluded there are no security risks associated with Marine One, or any other official US government helicopter, landing at the heliport.
The contract outlines a five-year commitment valued at $14.7 million, spanning from February 2025 to January 2030, along with three additional five-year renewal options extending to 2045.
According to the terms of the contract reviewed by Crain’s New York Business, Downtown Skyport would start by paying the city a minimum of $2.75 million to operate the airport, with an annual increase of 4% or 42.5% of gross, whichever amount is greater.
The heliport continues to be under the ownership of New York City. Management of operations is conducted via a concession agreement, allowing EDC the authority to terminate it at their discretion.
