Latest news with #SaifMohammedAlSuwaidi
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE's ‘Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace' institutionalised as ICAO annual event
22 July 2025 12:40 ABU DHABI (WAM) The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), during its 235th Session, has officially adopted the UAE's Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) as an institutionalised annual event under ICAO's official calendar, marking a rare recognition for a state-initiated concept to evolve into a regular, internationally supported launched in Abu Dhabi in February 2025 on the sidelines of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS), the GSAM initiative aims to accelerate sustainable practices in global aviation by bringing together stakeholders from across the ecosystem, including airlines, manufacturers, regulators and investors, to drive the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), low-carbon aviation fuels (LCAF), and climate finance solutions under the ICAO (Finvest Hub).ICAO's decision reflects the country's dedicated efforts to establish the event and secure its formal integration into the organisation's global reflects the UAE's growing influence in shaping the future of sustainable aviation and its ability to deliver scalable, institutional solutions to global of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, said, "Thanks to the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE continues to lead the civil aviation sector both regionally and internationally. This achievement reflects the UAE's prominent position on the global civil aviation map and reaffirms its excellence in developing future solutions and creating sustainable and innovative global initiatives that drive the growth and competitiveness of this vital sector while keeping pace with global development needs.""We have succeeded in transforming a national idea into a global institutional platform that supports ICAO's goals and contributes to building a more efficient and resilient aviation ecosystem, in line with the world's best practices."Director-General of the GCAA, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, stated, "We are proud that the GSAM initiative, once a national vision, is now a formal ICAO-backed global event. This milestone is a testament to the UAE's strategic focus on sustainability and our belief in inclusive, multilateral collaboration to drive progress."The ICAO Council members praised the UAE's leadership and vision, noting the UAE has a forward-looking vision in taking decisive steps towards achieving sustainability and promoting innovation, presenting a model for the world in how to turn vision into tangible initiative was proposed by the UAE in 2024 through its permanent mission to ICAO, with a clear goal: to establish a global marketplace that connects policy, technology, and finance to support aviation's transition to net-zero idea quickly gained traction and was brought to life by a coordinated effort between the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, the UAE Permanent Mission team in Montreal, and various local and international partners. Preparations are now underway for the second edition of GSAM, and the event is expected to attract a wide range of global participants and serve as a practical forum for advancing ICAO's Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Arabian Post
06-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE Unveils First Global Framework for Hybrid Air Operations
A landmark regulation issued by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority introduces the world's first official framework enabling electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably using the same infrastructure. This innovation positions the nation at the forefront of the global Advanced Air Mobility revolution, merging cutting-edge technology with established aviation systems. At the heart of this framework lies the decision to permit eVTOLs, commonly known as flying taxis, to utilise existing helipads across the UAE's urban clusters. More than 70 such landing sites now fall under the new regulation, dramatically reducing the need for fresh infrastructure and greatly accelerating deployment timelines. The unified use of helipads also promises lower capital expenditure and simpler implementation for operators seeking entry into the nascent aerial market. GCAA Director‑General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi explained that the framework not only accommodates emerging technologies but 'redefines how aviation evolves,' reinforcing the UAE's commitment to innovation and ecosystem readiness. His remarks underscore a broader government directive aimed at embedding agile, efficient, and non-bureaucratic solutions across strategic industries. ADVERTISEMENT The framework's architecture builds on CAR AGA PART VFI, a comprehensive regulatory tool establishing unified design and operational standards for vertiports, heliports, and helidecks. It includes protocols for eVTOL charging infrastructure, visual navigational systems, and emergency response measures such as rescue and fire‑fighting capabilities. Critical roles in operations—ranging from flight‑line officers to fire response teams—have also been codified with clear competency benchmarks and accountability pathways. The GCAA's hybrid regulation emerges from collaborative efforts with global AAM stakeholders, aimed at aligning with the UAE's long‑term strategy for a sustainable, intelligent transport network. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director‑General for Aviation Safety Affairs, emphasised that the regulation enhances regulatory flexibility without compromising safety standards—a principle central to the authority's mandate. This policy shift dovetails with technological advances already underway in major emirates. Abu Dhabi recently conducted a test flight of an autonomous eVTOL taxi from the Cruise Terminal helipad, flying over the city marina—an example of utilisation within the shared‑infrastructure model. Dubai followed with its first Joby Aviation eVTOL flight at the Jetman test facility near Margham, as part of preparations for a commercial launch slated for early 2026. Joby's aircraft, which seats five and reaches cruising speeds of up to 200 mph with a range of approximately 150 miles, has received a six‑year exclusive operating pact from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. This pact includes use of multiple vertiports—such as Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah—and forms part of wider FAA certification steps in the United States. Dubai RTA Director‑General Mattar Al Tayer highlighted the potential benefits to city travel, pointing out that routes like Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah could be slashed to a 12‑minute journey versus 45 minutes by road. The shared helipad concept under the new framework leverages this advantage, enabling swift service roll‑out via existing infrastructure. Challenges remain, particularly concerning integration with current air traffic management systems, nocturnal flight regulations, noise standards, and the electrification of landing facilities. The GCAA's PART VFI addresses these by establishing emergency planning protocols, licensing pathways for Primary Accountable Organisations to manage landing zones, and registering infrastructure compliance. Global authorities, including the FAA and EASA, are expected to monitor the UAE's deployment closely, as the country acts as a de facto proving ground for AAM. If successful, the UAE model could serve as a template for urban air mobility frameworks worldwide—bridging the gap between innovation and practical implementation. Momentum within the UAE's AAM sector is evident: multiple eVTOL developers, including Archer Aviation and EHang, are entering the market. Their strategies focus on retrofitting existing helipads with charging and support systems tailored to eVTOLs. Archer's CCO, Nikhil Goel, highlighted the cost-effectiveness of this approach, noting that ramping up with current helipad assets demands 'minimal capital'.
Gulf Today
02-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
GCAA convenes ASCC 2025 to advance regulatory innovation
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) hosted the Aviation Safety Consultative Conference (ASCC) 2025 at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in Dubai, bringing together key aviation stakeholders from across the UAE under the theme 'Regulatory Innovation and Operational Excellence.' The conference served as a dynamic platform for sharing insights, strategies, and regulatory updates that aim to enhance aviation safety standards in line with the UAE Vision 2031. 'ASCC 2025 reflects our collective ambition to lead through collaboration, innovation, and regulatory agility,' said Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at GCAA: 'Together with our industry partners, we continue to build a proactive safety culture that supports sustainable aviation growth for the UAE and beyond.'Key announcements included the release of (Safety Decision 2025-01), which addresses fatigue management in the aviation maintenance environment. The agenda also covered critical topics such as EVTOL operations, AI-powered compliance systems, weather resilience, emergency preparedness, Acceptable Level of Safety Performance (ALoSP), and Flight and Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) variations. Participants received important updates on aircrew licensing, training oversight, non-technical competencies, and passenger behaviour management, in addition to enhancements in CAR-AIR OPS regulations and e-service platforms. The conference also featured a call to action for industry-wide participation in the upcoming (Safety Marathon 2025). With contributions from leading experts across the UAE aviation sector, ASCC 2025 reaffirmed the country's strategic commitment to innovation-driven oversight, fostering a proactive safety culture and promoting sustainable aviation development. Meanwhile the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued the world's first regulatory framework for hybrid operations, enabling both electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably on the same infrastructure. This innovative regulatory framework represents a significant leap in integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into existing aviation systems. It offers a cost-effective model for infrastructure development, accelerates operational readiness, and aligns with the UAE government's directives to implement high-efficiency, non-bureaucratic solutions across various sectors. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said, 'The UAE has always been at the forefront of excellence in aviation. This pioneering regulatory framework does not merely enable new technology; it redefines how aviation evolves. It reflects our commitment to innovation in developing a supportive ecosystem for the growth of this vital sector and a future where advanced air mobility is seamlessly integrated into our national infrastructure.' The hybrid operations framework results from close collaboration with international partners in the advanced air mobility sector and is fully aligned with the UAE's national vision for sustainability, smart mobility, and optimized infrastructure use. By enabling dual-use between conventional helicopter pads and electric vertical takeoff and landing pads, this initiative helps accelerate implementation timelines, optimises infrastructure utilisation, and cements the UAE's position as a leader in fostering an integrated ecosystem supporting the future of aviation. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, said that this framework is a strategic enabler, not only for new modes of transport but for a smarter, more flexible regulatory environment that keeps pace with emerging technologies without compromising safety standards. Meanwhile in May General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has concluded the 64th annual conference of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA) in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time the event has been hosted in the Middle East. The UAE contributed six technical papers, highlighting national priorities in artificial intelligence, training and airspace innovation. The conference welcomed 690 participants representing 98 associations. Ahmed Ibrahim Al Jallaf, Assistant Director-General of the Air Navigation Services Sector at the GCAA, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the UAE's submissions received wide acclaim and addressed integration of AI in air traffic control, modern training frameworks, zero-bureaucracy management, and advanced technologies adopted as global best practices. Recommendations from these papers were adopted into IFATCA's agenda, with one paper set to be developed as a global case study.
Arabian Business
02-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE announces world's first regulatory framework for hybrid eVTOL operations
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued the world's first regulatory framework for hybrid operations, enabling both electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably on the same infrastructure. The regulatory framework integrates Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into existing aviation systems. It offers a cost-effective model for infrastructure development, accelerates operational readiness, and aligns with the UAE government's directives to implement high-efficiency, non-bureaucratic solutions across various sectors. World's first eVTOL hybrid operations framework launched by UAE GCAA 'The UAE has always been at the forefront of excellence in aviation. This pioneering regulatory framework does not merely enable new technology; it redefines how aviation evolves. It reflects our commitment to innovation in developing a supportive ecosystem for the growth of this vital sector and a future where advanced air mobility is seamlessly integrated into our national infrastructure,' Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA said. The hybrid operations framework results from close collaboration with international partners in the advanced air mobility sector and is fully aligned with the UAE's national vision for sustainability, smart mobility, and optimised infrastructure use. By enabling dual-use between conventional helicopter pads and electric vertical takeoff and landing pads, this initiative helps accelerate implementation timelines, optimises infrastructure utilisation, and cements the UAE's position as a leader in fostering an integrated ecosystem supporting the future of aviation. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, added that this framework is a strategic enabler, not only for new modes of transport but for a smarter, more flexible regulatory environment that keeps pace with emerging technologies without compromising safety standards.
Yemen Online
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yemen Online
UAE's aviation authority announces framework for regulating electric air taxis
The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority has announced a framework to regulate the use of electric and conventional helicopters in the Emirates. The rollout of the regulations will allow both electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably on the same infrastructure, reported state news agency Wam. The announcement came as two test flights took place in the UAE in recent days. On Monday, California-based Joby Aviation, in partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, carried out an electric air taxi test flight ahead of a planned launch of commercial operations next year. Archer Aviation completed the first test flight in Abu Dhabi of its air taxi on Wednesday. 'The UAE has always been at the forefront of excellence in aviation. This pioneering regulatory framework does not merely enable new technology; it redefines how aviation evolves,' said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA. 'It reflects our commitment to innovation in developing a supportive ecosystem for the growth of this vital sector and a future where advanced air mobility is seamlessly integrated into our national infrastructure.' The newly announced regulations will allow for dual-use between conventional helicopter pads and electric vertical take-off and landing pads. The framework will enable the UAE to adopt a flexible regulatory environment that keeps pace with emerging technologies without compromising safety standards, said Aqeel Al Zarouni, assistant director general for aviation safety affairs at the GCAA.
