UAE Champions Sustainable Aviation At ICAO’s Advanced Air Mobility Event

The UAE is actively participating in the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) inaugural Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAM 2024) and its associated exhibition, which began today and will run until 12th September in Montréal, Canada. The UAE delegation, led by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), comprises governmental and investment entities, aviation and technology firms, infrastructure developers, and training academies.

The symposium will delve into Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) concepts, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, infrastructure, and airspace integration. Al Suwaidi remarked, "The aviation sector is rapidly evolving, and the concept of advanced air mobility has become central to the UAE's ambitious future vision. It also represents a key pillar in advancing the shift toward sustainable transportation."

Mohamed Abdulla Al Salami, Chairman of the Fujairah Department of Civil Aviation, highlighted Fujairah Air Navigation Services' (FANS) participation as a testament to Fujairah DCA's strategic role within the UAE's aviation sector. He stated that their collaboration with GCAA and ICAO ensures they remain at the forefront of delivering essential training and contributing to international aviation standards.

The UAE has made notable strides in urban air mobility regulations, including those for air taxis and vertiports. These regulations aim to establish a foundation for future infrastructure supporting a safe and efficient urban air transportation system. The goal is to launch Dubai's first air taxi by 2026.

The UAE pavilion features representatives from various entities such as the UAE Cyber Security Council, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) - Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Advanced Technology Research Council in Abu Dhabi, Fujairah Air Navigation Services (FANS), EDGE Group specialising in technology and defence, High Lander for drone traffic management solutions, etisalat by e&, Etihad Aviation Training, Aspire, Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Volar, Beta Technologies, and Multi-Level Group (MLG).

Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director-General of ITC, emphasised that this event provides a strategic platform to showcase their vision for innovating electric vertical take-off and landing pads while ensuring global technical standards are met. He said it also highlights their commitment to developing the civil aviation sector.

Commitment to Sustainable Transportation

Shahab Issa Abu Shahab from the Advanced Technology Research Council noted that the UAE aims to lead innovation in aviation. He mentioned advancements in aircraft propulsion systems, aerodynamics, intelligent systems, and space exploration as part of shaping the future of advanced air mobility.

Waleid Al Mesmari from EDGE Group commented on their role in driving progress through innovative unmanned systems. "As one of the world's leading advanced technology groups," he said. "EDGE is driving progress in advanced air mobility through its diverse portfolio of innovative unmanned systems."

Training for Future Needs

Captain Paolo La Cava from Etihad Aviation Training expressed enthusiasm about supporting these advancements by developing a skilled workforce capable of operating within the AAM ecosystem proficiently and safely. He stated that they are eager to define and develop this workforce.

The presence of ADIO at ICAO's first AAM Symposium underscores its dedication to fostering innovation and investment in future air transport solutions. This participation aligns with the UAE’s broader goals for sustainable transportation advancements.

Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority stressed that this gathering is crucial for planning aviation's future. He pointed out that the level of participation highlights the importance of attending delegates on a global scale.

The UAE’s involvement in AAM 2024 demonstrates its commitment to pioneering sustainable urban air mobility solutions while collaborating with international bodies like ICAO to set global standards.

With inputs from WAM