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UAE engages in ICAO’s inaugural advanced air mobility symposium

The United Arab Emirates is actively participating in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) inaugural Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAM 2024), which commenced yesterday and will continue through 12th September in Montréal, Canada. The event also features an accompanying exhibition showcasing innovations in the field.

Leading the UAE delegation is Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The delegation comprises representatives from government agencies, investment entities, aviation and technology companies, infrastructure developers, and training academies.

The symposium focuses on advanced air mobility (AAM) concepts, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, alongside discussions on infrastructure and airspace integration.

Pioneering advanced air mobility 

Speaking about the UAE’s participation, Al Suwaidi stated, “The aviation sector is evolving rapidly, 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.” 

He highlighted the UAE’s significant progress in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a leader in the AAM market, particularly through its pioneering efforts in developing regulations for urban air mobility, which include air taxis and vertiports. 

“These regulations lay the foundation for future infrastructure to support a safe and efficient urban air transportation system, with the goal of launching the first air taxi in Dubai by 2026,” Al Suwaidi added. 

Mohamed Abdulla Al Salami, Chairman of the Fujairah Department of Civil Aviation, further underscored Fujairah’s strategic role within the UAE’s aviation sector. 

“The presence of Fujairah Air Navigation Services (FANS) at this symposium underscores Fujairah DCA’s strategic importance within the UAE’s aviation sector. As a cornerstone of the Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure, our close collaboration with the GCAA and ICAO ensures that we are at the forefront of delivering essential training and contributing to the development of International Aviation standards,” he said. 

The UAE’s pavilion features a diverse range of entities, including 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, FANS, EDGE (a leading technology and defence group), High Lander (specialising in drone traffic management), Etisalat by e&, Etihad Aviation Training, Aspire, and pioneering aviation companies such as Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Volar, Beta, and Multi-Level Group (MLG).  

Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, remarked, “The UAE is on an ambitious journey to be at the forefront of innovation in aviation and is now paving advancements in aircraft propulsion, aerodynamics, intelligent systems, and space exploration, shaping the future of advanced air mobility.” 

On his part, Captain Paolo La Cava, Managing Director of Etihad Aviation Training, said, “We are eager to drive and support these advancements by defining and developing the workforce required to proficiently and safely operate the AAM ecosystem.”

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