Adams admin hires foreign firms to run NYC’s Downtown Heliport, raising security concerns: Not ‘a wise choice’
Mayor Eric Adams’ administration has chosen two foreign firms to run the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, raising concerns in some national-security circles because the president’s Marine One chopper uses it.
The city Economic Development Corporation selected Downtown Skyport LLC — a partnership between Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based firm and the operator of the London Heliport, and France’s Groupe ADP, which operates Paris’ three airports, to run the city-owned downtown heliport.
The Downtown Manhattan Heliport is used by Marine One and by US military and federal law-enforcement officials.
“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 claimed foreigners will have access to national security information and asked, “Where will this information go?”
There were at least two attempts to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump during the election campaign.
The city Franchise and Review Committee is expected to approve the contract after a public hearing Monday.
Wackrow, who served in the security detail for former President Barack Obama, said the Downtown Heliport was an important post after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, providing access from Pier 6 in the Battery near Ground Zero.
The new European operators will replace Manhattan-based Saker Aviation Services.
The current operator faced controversy last year after it was revealed that William Wachtel, chairman of the board of Saker Aviation, is law partners with Morris Missry, a board member at the EDC.
Downtown Skyport won the subsequent contract in a competitive bidding process.
Both of its companies have developed the use of quieter electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, a top priority of Mayor Adams.
Helicopter noise has long been a major bane of New York City residents, with 59,000 complaints recorded last year.
EDC officials defended the selection of 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.
As part of the bidding process, EDC officials said it checked with appropriate federal agencies on the possibility of hiring an operator with a parent entity based in foreign countries.
These reviews found that there would be no security risks posed to Marine One — or any other official US government helicopter — landing at the heliport, the EDC said.
The agreement will provide for a five-year $14.7 million contract from February 2025 to January 2030, with three five-year options for renewal through 2045.
Downtown Skyport would initially pay the city a minimum of $2.75 million to operate the airport, increasing to 4% annually or 42.5% of gross, whichever is greater, according to the terms of the contract reviewed by Crain’s New York Business.
New York City remains the owner of the heliport. Operations are managed through a concession agreement, which EDC can terminate at its discretion.
