Latest news with #GeneralCivilAviationAuthority
Trade Arabia
22-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Etihad to co-host IATA regional SAF workshop
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will be the co-host for the IATA Regional Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Workshop 2025, taking place in Abu Dhabi on May 22 and 23. This industry-leading event is dedicated to advancing the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and will bring together global aviation leaders to discuss policy, operational challenges, and emerging trends in SAF. Building upon Abu Dhabi's reputation as a hub for aviation innovation, this workshop will serve as a crucial platform for thought leadership, networking, and knowledge sharing among key industry stakeholders. 'As part of Etihad's commitment to sustainable aviation and shaping the future of air travel, we are pleased to co-host this critical workshop alongside IATA and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority,' said Karen Clayton, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer for Etihad. 'By fostering discussions on SAF policies, compliance, market trends and industry action, this event will drive awareness, understanding, buy-in of SAF and ultimately lead towards greater adoption in the region. "Scaling SAF requires coordinated action across the entire value chain. Collaboration between airlines, airports, energy producers, and regulatory bodies is essential to accelerate availability and enhance the sustainability and resilience of the aviation sector. At the same time, making SAF economically viable is key to widespread adoption, and this requires scaling production, lowering costs, and ensuring price competitiveness against conventional fuels, to make SAF not only sustainable but also commercially practical for the long term." Discussions will cover the latest global updates and policy trends influencing SAF adoption, alongside operational and compliance challenges associated with SAF policy and implementation. The event will discuss the fundamentals of SAF lifecycle assessment and provide a detailed examination of the IATA SAF Accounting and Reporting Methodology, including SAF claims and an introduction to the CADO SAF Registry. Airlines and governments leading SAF adoption efforts will share their experiences, with insights into the upcoming IATA SAF Matchmaking platform. Additionally, IATA's publications and tools on SAF and compliance with CORSIA standards will be presented to participants.
Arabian Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE gets Swiss robots and drones
Drone and robotics are evolving industry worldwide as well as in the Middle East where the UAE has taken a leadership role in gradually deploying them in government departments and public facilities – in addition to bringing in driver less vehicles and flying taxis – to transform its urban infrastructure into smart cities where drones, machines, robotics and AI will play a crucial role. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), that regulates the drone industry, has registered nearly 24,000 industrial- and commercial-grade drones as well as more than 100 business licenses dealing with the use of drones including renting and offering drone display services. Globally, 8.2 million drones were active in 2024, which is expected to grow to 9.5 million by 2029. In 2025, the global revenue in the drones market worldwide will reach US$4.4 billion, according to Statista, a global market intelligence provider. The global market for connected commercial drones is forecast to grow from US$18.6 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 15 percent to reach US$21.4 billion (Dh78 billion) in 2025 and US$37.3 billion in 2029, according to a research report. ADVERTISEMENT In 2023, the Dubai Government announced that it aims to increase the robotics sector's contribution to Dubai's GDP to 9 percent by 2032. The emirate wants to turn robotics into a Dh35 billion (US$9.5 billion) industry. As part of the Dubai Robotics and Automation (R&A) Program, 200,000 robots will be provided over the next 10 years until 2032, to increase efficiency and productivity in various sectors including services, logistics, and the industrial sector, and enhance the competitiveness of Dubai's economy. More than 20 billion robots will be serving 10 billion human beings by 2050, reshaping lifestyles, labour markets and societies, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs told delegates at the World Government Summit in February this year. Reflecting on the drastic changes in the last 25 years since the year 2000, Al Gergawi said, 'The world's population has grown to 8.2 billion today, and the global economy has expanded from $34 trillion to $115 trillion by 2024. International trade surged from $7 trillion to $33 trillion over the same period.' He highlighted the rapid growth of digital connectivity, with internet usage soaring from less than 7 percent of the global population in 2000 to over 60 percent today. 'In 2050, over 20 billion robots will assist humans, and the space economy is expected to reach US$4 trillion,' he said. Private sector businesses have started to bring in some of the best technologies in drones, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, etc, that will help the UAE to realise its Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy that aims to strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to increase its contribution to the national economy by advancing innovation and future technologies. It also aims to position the UAE as a global model in adopting leading-edge technologies to serve society and achieve happiness and sustainability. While a number of global conglomerates are also entering and setting up their branches to introduce driverless cars, flying taxis and drone-led home delivery eco-system, others are appointing local companies as their sales and servicing agents who will deploy these technologies in the UAE and the region. ADVERTISEMENT With rapid transformation driven by the government's futuristic vision, the UAE will soon see large-scale deployment of robots across all public services ranging from courier to food delivery – that will push up the demand for robots and drones. Sigma Enterprises is bringing Swiss robots and drones for the GCC countries to protect critical infrastructure, assets and increase the flow of data for increased efficiency and cost reduction. Sigma Enterprises, a member of the Mazrui International, has taken a leadership role in bringing the latest Swiss robotics and drone technology to the GCC countries that are famous for precision data, surveillance supported by Artificial Intelligence that will play a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure including oil and gas, utility, nuclear power plant, manufacturing industries, airport and aviation assets, among others. Sigma Enterprises showcased the Swiss precision robotics and drones solutions from Anybotics, Flyability and Wingtra at the First Swiss Future Tech event held in Abu Dhabi recently. Sigma, which represents a number of global technology and engineering products in the Gulf, has acquired exclusive distribution rights for Swiss based Anybotics, Flyability and Wingtra in the UAE. It is currently deploying them with its customers offering end-to-end solutions, training and after-sales service. The introduction of world's best robotic technology from ANYbotics with Swiss precision by Sigma Enterprises in the region will boost the revenue in the robotics market to US$241.95 million in the UAE this year with service robotic dominating the market with projected market value of US$223.75 million. This is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.45 per cent to US$360.12 million by 2029. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Switzerland has exceeded US$2.5 billion, according to Dr. Arthur Mattli, Swiss Ambassador to the UAE. 'In an ever-evolving world, we are witnessing a quiet revolution through the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, robotics, data science, precision technology, innovation as well as he development of the drone technology,' Dr. Arthur Mattli said. 'With our shared ethics of precision and innovation, we can assure you that machines will not replace us but protect us. The accuracy of their data will determine the effectiveness of the new smart cities that are being built across the world. 'Sigma Enterprises' partnership with leading Swiss tech firms represents a significant collaboration between the two nations who share similar ideologies in innovation and technology. This partnership is a historic milestone in our relationship and marks the beginning of Emirati-Swiss collaboration that will strengthen the ties between the UAE and Switzerland. 'Today, we celebrate not just technology but also mission, collaboration, and the pioneering spirit that drives innovation forward. ANYbotics, Flyability, and Wingtra do not just build machines; rather, they are pioneers of the future. They combine innovation, artificial intelligence, and Swiss precision to develop smarter tools benefitting various industries,' Dr. Arthur Mattli concluded. ANYbotics is a fast-growing company with over 100 employees focused on supporting the inspection needs of workers in oil & gas, power, energy, mining, processing, chemicals, transportation, and construction. In 2023, SIGMA Enterprises signed an agreement to bring the latest robotics solutions from ANYbotics – one of the world's most renowned producers of industrial and commercial robots that play crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure. Since 2016, Swiss robotics company ANYbotics developed innovative, intelligent, and integrated robotic solutions that improve workers' lives, increase productivity, and support more sustainable industrial facilities. Partnering with global technology leaders, ANYbotics provides large asset operators with autonomous, automated, end-to-end robotic inspection solutions for complex, hazardous, and explosive industrial environments. Sigma Enterprises also has signed up with Flyability and Wingtra to deploy their latest drone technology that will play a great role in monitoring, surveillance, data analytics, preventive maintenance and help sustain the life-cycle of critical infrastructure and physical assets. Mr. Charbel Khoury, Group CEO of Mazrui International, said, 'Mazrui Group is a diversified business conglomerate with interests in trading, construction, services, real estate and oil and gas sector, with a legacy of more than five decades. We have been bringing the latest industrial solutions to help our economy with the best services and solutions. 'We are delighted to collaborate with ANYbotics, Flyability, and Wingtra to bring the latest improved technologies in challenging landscapes of industries like oil and gas, construction, chemicals, power and utilities, and metals in the UAE and broader GCC. Our partnership with these Swiss robotics and drone technology solutions providers will help us to strengthen the life-cycle of the region's critical infrastructure, reduce maintenance cost, and extend the life-cycle of assets and maximising profitability of businesses.' Flyability is a pioneer in the development of indoor drones designed to access and inspect hard-to-reach, hazardous environments — eliminating the need to send humans into dangerous spaces. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Switzerland, the company leads the market in commercial indoor drone technology, driven by continuous innovation and a strong focus on research and development. Flyability is transforming traditional inspection methods by enabling safe, efficient, and cost-effective visual data collection across industries. On the other hand Wingtra, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is the global leader in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones for professional surveying. Since launching in 2017, Wingtra has built a strong global presence, partnering with over 80 major surveying equipment dealers across 50+ countries. With a team of 100+ employees — over 40 dedicated to research and development, and many alumni of ETH Zurich — Wingtra designs, manufactures, and supports its products in-house. The WingtraOne drone, equipped with best-in-class sensors and PPK technology, delivers survey-grade aerial data with exceptional accuracy and efficiency, serving industries from construction and mining to environmental monitoring. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE's first flying taxi trials to begin in Al Ain this summer
The trials of the UAE's first flying taxi will begin in Al Ain in a few months ahead of the roll-out of the full service at the end of this year, a senior official said on Monday. 'The trial phase will start soon at the beginning of the third quarter. We've been working with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for years. The GCAA has carved out a regulatory pathway to help us launch here in the UAE this year. We're in the final stages of that approval. We're going to start flying first remotely in Al Ain over time before bringing it here in Abu Dhabi,' Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation, told Khaleej Times. Goldstein was speaking on the sidelines of the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates exhibition and conference running at Adnec Centre in Abu Dhabi from May 19 to 22, 2025. The GCAA has approved Archer's design for the planned transformation of an Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal helipad into a hybrid heliport for both helicopter and eVTOL aircraft operations. The company is displaying a model of its Midnight aircraft or flying taxi that will be operational in the UAE. Visitors to the Adnec Centre can first-hand witness the model of the flying taxi. 'Our goal is to launch (flying taxi) here in Abu Dhabi t owards the end of this year. I'm excited to launch it first in the world here. We'll start relatively small and see how the operations will work. We will get the communities involved and show how safe and quiet the aircraft is. And then the goal is to scale it up over time. We'll start with different points of interest in Abu Dhabi, and then ultimately the goal is to be able to expand,' Archer's CEO said during the interview. Travel cost The new mobility solution will reduce the 2-3 hour journey to just 15-20 minutes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Replying to a query about airfare for the flying taxi, he added that the 'target prices are very similar to the high-end of rideshare.' He noted that the people will be able to book flying taxi through Archer's app or app provided by its Abu Dhabi partner. In Dubai, Archer peer Joby Aviation is working to launch flying taxis. 'There're lots of different pricing schemes that people are working on, much like you see in the rideshare. It will also be based on supply-demand that different operators will help set that. For example, we're partnering with Abu Dhabi Aviation, so they will likely be the ones setting a lot of those pricing dynamics.' Assembly in 2025 Goldstein said the US-based company will start assembling flying taxis in the UAE later this year. 'We'll start the assembly here this year. It's kind of the low-scale sides of things and then work through and ultimately scale it up,' he said. 'Over the long term, he said the ultimate aim is to manufacture here in Abu Dhabi and create a lot of jobs in the region. Hopefully make this not just a product to fly here, but to be sold all over the world.' The company is currently manufacturing its Midnight aircraft in the US. 'The UAE has incredible trade agreements with a lot of different countries, even beyond the GCC. So there's a great opportunity here to manufacture and then ultimately export to many parts of the world,' he said. Highlighting the vision of Abu Dhabi, he said the aim is to 'create the next Seattle, the next Toulouse, a place where new, innovative aviation companies can come and build, and create a whole industry here, and ultimately a whole new industry.'
Canada Standard
30-04-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
UAE participates in 18th Meeting of ICAO's Air Transport Regulation Panel in Montreal
ABU DHABI, 29th April, 2025 (WAM) -- A delegation from the United Arab Emirates, chaired by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and with the participation of representatives from local civil aviation authorities and national airlines, took part in the 18th meeting of the Air Transport Regulation Panel (ATRP/18) of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), held in Montreal, Canada. This participation reflects the UAE's continued commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the field of air transport regulation and keeping pace with global developments. The meeting discussed several key topics, including the liberalisation of air transport and the removal of barriers to market access, as well as regulatory and administrative matters related to the Panel. The meeting also reviewed certain articles in the ICAO Template Air Services Agreement and prepared the agenda for the 7th Worldwide Air Transport Conference scheduled to take place in 2026, with the aim of further enhancing the global air transport sector. The General Civil Aviation Authority's participation in this meeting reflects its commitment to strengthening cooperation with ICAO and advancing initiatives that address the challenges facing the growth of global air transport. The GCAA delegation highlighted the importance of developing flexible regulatory frameworks that enable member states to access international markets, in line with the sector's evolving needs and sustainability goals. Reaffirming its ongoing support for ICAO's efforts, the GCAA emphasised the vital role of continuous collaboration among member states to foster sustainable development and expand global market access.
Al Etihad
29-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE participates in 18th Meeting of ICAO's Air Transport Regulation Panel in Montreal
29 Apr 2025 17:52 ABU DHABI (WAM)A delegation from the United Arab Emirates, chaired by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and with the participation of representatives from local civil aviation authorities and national airlines, took part in the 18th meeting of the Air Transport Regulation Panel (ATRP/18) of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), held in Montreal, participation reflects the UAE's continued commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the field of air transport regulation and keeping pace with global meeting discussed several key topics, including the liberalisation of air transport and the removal of barriers to market access, as well as regulatory and administrative matters related to the meeting also reviewed certain articles in the ICAO Template Air Services Agreement and prepared the agenda for the 7th Worldwide Air Transport Conference scheduled to take place in 2026, with the aim of further enhancing the global air transport General Civil Aviation Authority's participation in this meeting reflects its commitment to strengthening cooperation with ICAO and advancing initiatives that address the challenges facing the growth of global air transport. The GCAA delegation highlighted the importance of developing flexible regulatory frameworks that enable member states to access international markets, in line with the sector's evolving needs and sustainability its ongoing support for ICAO's efforts, the GCAA emphasised the vital role of continuous collaboration among member states to foster sustainable development and expand global market access.
