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Business Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Asia-Pacific regulators release world's first guidelines for commercial operation of air taxis, drones
[SINGAPORE] Asia-Pacific aviation regulators have published the world's first set of guidelines on air taxis and drones, anticipating future commercial operation of these vehicles in the region. Regulators can voluntarily adopt the guidelines, which will also be submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization to be adopted as a global standard. The guidelines were released on Monday (Jul 14) at the second meeting of Apac regulators on advanced air mobility (AAM) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), spearheaded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). AAM is a new type of aviation characterised by compact aircraft designed for shorter-range travel, including air taxis. Many of these are electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) craft, being developed by startups such as Archer Aviation and Volocopter. CAAS director-general Han Kok Juan said: 'The Asia-Pacific region will be a major market for AAM, which will transform the way people work, move and live and be another engine of economic growth.' The launch of the guidelines 'is a significant step forward to more widespread use of drones and making air taxi operations a reality', he added. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Known as reference materials, the guidelines are a starting point for formal regulations regarding the new technologies. Regulators can use or adapt the materials to prepare for and facilitate commercial operations of air taxis and drones. The materials also aim to raise awareness of these technologies and regulatory approaches, as well as considerations when integrating eVTOLs and more complex UAS operations into existing aviation regulations. Representatives of 20 countries and 21 AAM companies and organisations discussed plans for the launch of air taxi operations and expanded uses of drones in the next five years, as well as cooperation on such operations. PHOTO: CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE They were created by 24 states and administrations, led by China, the Cook Islands, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Incorporating industry feedback, the guidelines include safety targets for eVTOL operations, industry standards and compliance. They will be updated regularly, in line with the fast-paced development of AAM and UAS technology. The meeting was attended by representatives of 20 countries and 21 AAM companies and organisations, who discussed plans for the launch of air taxi operations and expanded uses of drones in the next five years, as well as cooperation on such operations. It was part of High-Level Aviation Week, which runs from Jul 14 to 19, where government and industry leaders gather in Singapore for discussions. The event was also marked by the debut of a regional sustainability centre for aviation. The first meeting of Apac regulators on AAM took place in November 2023, during which the development of the reference materials was mooted by CAAS.
Leaders
15-07-2025
- Business
- Leaders
GACA President Joins Global Aviation Leaders at Singapore's Aviation Week
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), took part in Singapore's High-Level Aviation Week, held from July 13 to 18. Hosted by the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Singapore, the event brought together ministers, senior officials, and industry leaders from the aviation and maritime sectors to discuss current and emerging challenges in global transport. GACA During a high-level session, Al-Duailej highlighted pressing issues facing the global aviation industry, particularly the need to manage the rapidly growing demand for air travel. He referenced Airports Council International (ACI) projections, which forecast global passenger traffic to reach 12 billion by 2030. This growth, he explained, places significant pressure on infrastructure, regulatory systems, supply chains, workforce capacity, and sustainability efforts. Al-Duailej also addressed regional dynamics in the Middle East, emphasizing the complexities of airspace closures and the potential for innovation in response. Moreover, he cited Saudi Arabia's success in rerouting approximately 41,000 flights in recent months as evidence of the region's adaptability and operational coordination. He further underscored the importance of workforce development and regional collaboration to maintain safe and efficient air traffic management. Sustainability Initiatives, Environmental Leadership In discussing environmental stewardship, Al-Duailej highlighted the Middle East Green Initiative as a model for regional cooperation on climate action. Additionally, he detailed key programs under GACA's Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Program, including the establishment of carbon-neutral airports, such as Red Sea International Airport, which uses sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Other initiatives include planting one million trees across airport sites by 2030, implementing waste sorting and recycling systems, and forming international partnerships to promote sustainability best practices. Strengthening International Airport Collaboration As part of the event, Al-Duailej attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Jeddah Airports Company and Changi Airport Group. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in critical areas such as passenger experience, operational efficiency, safety standards, air connectivity, and airport technology. Finally, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in airport management. Related Topics: GASTAT Reports 13.4% Growth in Non-Oil Exports in Q1 2025, 10.7% Increase in March ROSHN Green Initiative Center: Inspiring Future Environmental Leaders Saudi Arabia Welcomes Foreign Real Estate Investors Outside Holy Cities All You Need to Know about Hajj Rituals: A Step-by-Step Guide Short link : Post Views: 7
