GCAA, Etihad Airways, And Thales Set Framework For Sustainable Flight Operations

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Etihad Airways, and Thales have embarked on a strategic collaboration aimed at diminishing the environmental impact of aviation activities within the Emirates Flight Information Region (FIR). This partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will see the tripartite test solutions developed by Thales under its "Thales Orchestrator for Eco-Friendly Trajectories" initiative. This innovative approach promises to facilitate the implementation of optimised flight trajectories in a manner that is both swift and efficient.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, highlighted the initiative's alignment with the UAE's steadfast commitment to sustainability. He remarked, "This initiative aligns with the UAE's ongoing dedication to sustainability, and the theme of 2024 being the Year of Sustainability. It underscores the GCAA’s pledge to national priorities and the government's methodology, while also fulfilling our international commitments within the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), particularly the recent announcement in Dubai of the Global Framework for aviation fuel, which sets an ambitious goal of reducing global aviation emissions by 5 percent by 2030."

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Airways, expressed pride in being part of this initiative. He stated, "Etihad is honoured to be part of this groundbreaking initiative aligning seamlessly with the UAE's commitment to this venture which epitomises the essence of the Year of Sustainability in 2024. Working alongside the GCAA and Thales, this showcases a collective commitment to mitigating the climate impact of aviation, aligning perfectly with the UAE's visionary 2031 agenda."

Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, shared his enthusiasm for contributing to a sustainable future for aviation. He said, "We are very proud to collaborate with Etihad Airways and GCAA in their ambition to mitigate the climate impact of aviation and to contribute to the UAE 2031 vision. Our innovations in terms of avionics and flight operations are very much driven by our desire to make aviation ever more sustainable."

The UAE's aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth since its inception, establishing itself as a pivotal hub in global air connectivity. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment among industry leaders towards achieving environmental sustainability. The sector acknowledges its environmental footprint and is actively pursuing measures to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050.

One of the most effective strategies identified for mitigating environmental impact involves optimising flight operations. This includes enabling airspace users to select more efficient flight plans through direct routes and real-time adjustments to flight profiles. Additionally, leveraging digital tools enhances collaboration between airspace users and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), further contributing to sustainability efforts.

This initiative not only reflects a collective endeavour towards a more sustainable future but also reinforces the UAE's position as a visionary leader in global aviation. By prioritising environmental sustainability and adopting innovative solutions, the UAE continues to set benchmarks for excellence in aviation.

With inputs from WAM