Latest news with #VolarAirMobility
Zawya
26-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GCAA-Volar dialogue in Beijing accelerates green aviation innovation and GAT Hub collaboration
Beijing – Regulators and industry leaders convened today in Beijing for the GCAA-Volar Dialogue: Pioneering Innovation in Green Aviation, co-hosted by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Volar Air Mobility (Volar). The Dialogue welcomed His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE GCAA; Mr. Henry Hooi, Chairman of Volar Air Mobility Holding Co.; Mr. Saif Aldarmaki, Chairman of Volar Air Mobility Industries and distinguished aviation industry pioneers. The event focused on the development of various green aviation technologies, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), electric & hydrogen propulsion technologies, AI pilot training, green materials and green infrastructure development. Renowned sustainability expert, Dr. Sharon Lu presented on the advancement of the SAF industry and the alignment of industry initiatives with ICAO's global decarbonization goals, highlighting opportunities for cross-border cooperation. Mr. Guo Yilin from Liaoning General Aviation Academy shared the development roadmap of the RX-series electric aircraft — the World's Widest series of Electric Aircraft. A key highlight was the progress of the Green Aviation Technology (GAT) Hub, an integrated incubation and commercialization platform ecosystem for sustainable aviation, established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year between the GCAA and Volar in Montreal during the ICAO Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium. Keynote Speech presented by His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE GCAA, stating: 'Advancing green technologies is central to the UAE's vision for the future of aviation. We are committed to fostering innovation, supporting sustainable solutions, and strengthening international partnerships to drive real progress. The Green Aviation Technology (GAT) Hub stands as a key platform for collaboration towards cleaner skies and a more sustainable aviation future. Our partnership with Volar is an important step among many, reflecting the UAE's dedication to innovation and global cooperation.' Mr. Henry Hooi, Chairman of Volar Air Mobility Holding Co., highlighted the Hub's transformative impact: 'The GAT Hub is the launchpad for a new era of green aviation in the UAE ecosystem. By connecting technology, talent, and investment, we are building a platform for scalable solutions to redefine air mobility—both regionally and globally.' Mr. Saif Aldarmaki, Chairman of Volar Air Mobility Industries, supplemented: 'Today's dialogue is another step forward in our mission to empower local communities, enable sustainable air mobility options, and educate the next generation. Through the GAT Hub, we are determined to deliver real-world impact and foster responsible growth in aviation.' The session also featured perspectives from Dr. Yao Junchen and Ms. Zhang Xue, Co-Founding Members of the International Association for Green Aviation (IAGA), who emphasized the vital importance of academia-industry collaboration and shared actionable insights for fostering green aviation innovation and talent development. The Dialogue facilitated introductions between the UAE and leading Chinese technology companies — Zhonghang Shanda Superalloys, Zhuhai Xiangyi Aviation Technology, Guofu Hydrogen and Beijing Urban Construction Design & Development Group Co. — each exploring opportunities to expand or further strengthen their presence within the UAE's flourishing green aviation ecosystem. In the Closing Remarks, Volar announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Falcon Aviation on the commercialization of electric aircraft in the UAE. This partnership marks a significant step towards accelerating the adoption and integration of electric aircraft in the region, further demonstrating the UAE's commitment to sustainable and innovative air mobility solutions. About UAE GCAA The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) was established in 1996 by Federal Cabinet Decree (Law4) as the national regulatory authority for civil aviation in the United Arab Emirates. Its core mission is to oversee and develop the civil aviation sector in line with the highest standards of safety, security, and sustainability. In alignment with the UAE government's forward-looking vision and national priorities, the GCAA is committed to building a globally leading aviation system that fosters innovation, develops Emirati capabilities, and enhances the UAE's position as a hub for safe, secure, and sustainable air transport. For more information, visit: For media inquiries, please contact: communication@ About Volar Air Mobility Volar Air Mobility is a pioneering company in the field of advanced air mobility solutions, dedicated to developing sustainable aviation technologies that drive the future of air travel and reduce environmental impact. The company is dedicated to fostering sustainable aviation technologies that contribute to a green future. For more information, visit: For media inquiries, please contact: info@
Zawya
23-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Volar Air Mobility and Falcon Aviation Services sign strategic MoU to pioneer electric aviation in the UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Volar Air Mobility Holding Company Limited and Falcon Aviation Services LLC have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a new era of sustainable aviation in the UAE through the certification, deployment, and commercialization of the RX-series Electric Aircraft. This partnership will support Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead in green aviation and advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies. The MoU outlines cooperation across five key areas: certification coordination, sales and distribution, MRO and after sales support, final assembly localization under the " Make it in the Emirates" initiative, and operations of the electric aircraft. The RX-series Electric Aircraft developed by the Liaoning General Aviation Academy (LGAA) is currently the World's Widest series of fixed-wing electric aircraft. It includes the RX1E-A, RX1E-S, RX4E, and more. Specifically, the RX4E aircraft is the First electric aircraft to receive Part 23 type certification (normal aircraft category) in the world. Henry Hooi, Founding Chairman of Volar Air Mobility Holding Company, stated:"This partnership with Falcon Aviation is not just strategic; it is catalytic. The UAE has demonstrated remarkable foresight in supporting green mobility, and this MoU places us on the runway to realize the potential of electric aviation in the region. Our collaboration is a major leap toward decarbonizing air travel and integrating electric aircraft into real world use cases." Saif Al Darmaki, Chairman and Co-founder of Volar Air Mobility Industries LLC, commented: "This is a defining moment for sustainable aviation in the UAE. Our partnership with Falcon Aviation is rooted in shared values of innovation, reliability, and long-term impact. The RX series aircraft represents the next generation of flight which is clean, quiet, and efficient and we are proud to bring that future to life from Abu Dhabi." Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, said: 'This collaboration with Volar marks a clear and strategic step in the evolution of aviation in the UAE. Falcon Aviation is a key stakeholder in the country's air mobility ecosystem, with deep operational expertise in helicopter services, vertiport readiness, and regulatory integration. Our proven track record positions us to enable the successful deployment and support of electric aircraft. This MoU sets the foundation for a sustainable and innovative transformation of general aviation, aligned with the UAE's vision for clean and connected mobility.' Anwar Hussein, Managing Partner and Co-founder of Volar Air Mobility Industries LLC, added: "With this MoU, we are translating vision into action. Together with Falcon Aviation, we are creating an ecosystem that supports electric aviation from assembly to operations. This collaboration enables us to serve not only the UAE market but to establish Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for the future of flight across the MEA and Subcontinent markets." The agreement reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a leading innovation hub, aligning with national strategies for sustainability, industrial development, and smart mobility. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the deployment of electric aviation platforms, contributing to the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 target and the broader transformation of air transport. About Falcon Aviation Services Falcon Aviation Services is a leading Business Aviation Services operator in the Middle East and Africa region. Since its founding in 2006 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative, high-quality services to an esteemed clientele. Falcon Aviation Services provides a wide range of Operational and Aviation Support Services, which include Aircraft Charter & Management, Helicopter Sightseeing Tours, Oil and Gas Aviation Support, Maintenance Repair and Overhauling (MRO), Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO), Heliport Management and Inspection, among others. For more information, please visit: Media Enquiries: communications@ About Volar Air Mobility Volar Air Mobility is a pioneering company in the field of advanced air mobility solutions, dedicated to developing sustainable aviation technologies that drive the future of air travel and reduce environmental impact. The company is dedicated to fostering sustainable aviation technologies that contribute to a green future. For more information, please visit: Media Enquiries: emir.p@
The National
12-02-2025
- Business
- The National
Volar Air Mobility seeks to build electric aircraft in Abu Dhabi amid UAE's green transport push
Hong Kong-based Volar Air Mobility is aiming to build the RX4E fixed-wing electric aircraft in Abu Dhabi for domestic use and for export to markets in the Gulf, Middle East and North Africa, capitalising on the UAE's push for sustainable transportation and local manufacturing. The RX4E electric short take-off and landing aircraft (eSTOL) can be used in the UAE for eco-tourism, pilot training, medical evacuations or supplies and border control surveillance, Hooi Hing Lee, chairman of Volar Air Mobility Holding Company, told The National on Wednesday. eSTOL aircraft are able to take off and land on shorter than average runways. "Our road map is that we will be supplying the aircraft initially from China because there's an established production facility there, but our game plan is to eventually manufacture in the UAE," Mr Lee said. "This will be a Made-in-UAE aircraft, which does not exist today, so we're trying to bring technology to enable the development of such an operation." The company is hoping to use the aircraft not just in the UAE but also for re-export purposes into Mena and Gulf countries, Mr Lee said. "The potential is to export the aircraft to neighbouring countries and not just for domestic use." Volar Air Mobility, a green air mobility technology company, was established in 2020. It purchased the commercial rights for the RX-series aircraft from research institute Liaoning General Aviation Academy in north-east China, which developed the electric aircraft. These include two-seater and four-seater electric aircraft and their seaplane versions that can land on water. In the pipeline is a hydrogen-powered variant of the RX4E aircraft. On December 29, 2024, the RX4E four-seater aircraft secured type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The aircraft has more than 1,200 flying hours and completed 1,800 successful landings. With a wingspan of 13.5 metres and height of 3 metres, it has a range of 300 kilometres. Last year, Volar signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Inovartic Investment to explore partnerships to commercialise the RX-series of electric aircraft in the UAE. The two companies formed a joint venture entity called Volar Air Mobility Industries that is based in the UAE capital. Volar expects to receive regulatory certification from the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) by the fourth quarter of 2025 to produce and operate the four-seater RX4E aircraft in the country, Saif Al Darmaki, chairman of Inovartic, told The National. "We are building our capabilities now with manufacturers back in China to start the sales. So, we will produce small quantities from there to ship to this market to start our operations to do the sales, maintenance and operations. Later we will scale it up with an assembly line, most probably in Kezad," Al Darmaki said, referring to Abu Dhabi's industrial and economic free zones. Production capacity will start with 30 aircraft and scale up to 200 over five years, he said. Phase 1 of the UAE production facility for Volar Air Mobility is scheduled to be commissioned by the first quarter of 2026. While electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), commonly known as air taxis, have a longer timeline to achieve certification, the eSTOL aircraft like the RX-series are "about immediacy" and "within Q3, we should see those planes in operation", Mr Al Darmaki said. The aircraft's 300km range means it can fly from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah. The company is in discussions for the use of the aircraft between the UAE's airports and to ferry tourists between Dubai and Hatta, Mr Al Darmaki said. The move comes as the UAE strives to increase the contribution of its industrial sector to the gross domestic product, develop advanced technologies in manufacturing, introduce smart mobility into the mainstream market and work on sustainable transport systems. eSTOL aircraft are a short-term solution that overcomes the challenges currently facing eVTOLs such as battery limitations, fewer rules governing urban air mobility, lack of infrastructure and high cost of flying, Mr Lee said. Volar's mission is to chase three Es: Enabling communities around the world to develop a green aviation ecosystem (from developing aircraft to flying them), empowering communities to have access to green transport and educate communities about the merits of decarbonisation, he said. "It's about how we influence our society to create meaningful social, economic and environmental impact, leveraging the power of technology." The RX4E, which is powered by lithium-ion battery technology, is certified under Part 23 regulations, which means it is cleared for commercial use for fare-paying customers. Volar Air Mobility received an order from India's Vman Aviation Services for 20 of the RX4E aircraft, in a deal worth $12 million, it said on Wednesday. The Mumbai-based airline consultancy and aircraft lessor is scheduled to get delivery of the first 10 aircraft in January 2026, followed by an additional 10 aircraft in January 2027, Volar said in its statement. "We are excited to bring the RX4E aircraft to market, setting new standards for clean and efficient air travel," Mr Lee said. The RX4E aircraft "represents a significant advancement in sustainable aviation, and we are eager to integrate this cutting-edge technology into our fleet", Vishok Mansingh, chief executive of Vman Aviation, said. The RX-series has uses in potential markets beyond the UAE, including in Indonesia, South Africa and Latin America, according to Mr Lee. "We fundamentally feel that this aircraft addresses the pain points in many developing countries. In Indonesia, for example, there's more than 17,000 islands and it's impossible for you to drive between them. So we are offering an alternative to driving by enabling green aviation in these communities," he said. eSTOL aircraft require shorter runways and have more landing options including on grassland, water and snow, making it a versatile option for remote communities, he said. "We have potential buyers in Indonesia and we have potential buyers in Indonesia," he added. The company also sees potential for using the aircraft as an air taxi in markets such as Egypt, the Arab world's most populous nation, and Saudi Arabia, the Arab world's biggest economy and the destination that hosts millions of Hajj and Ummrah pilgrims. The RX4E aircraft will be "priced comparably" to existing combustion fuel aircraft at roughly $500 million to $600 million, Mr Lee said. "The difference is operational and maintenance cost-wise, because there's no engine, it's significantly cheaper. It's probably about a third to 50 per cent cheaper operationally and from a maintenance perspective than conventional combustion." Other market opportunities lie in small, remote rural communities where food and medicine is transported by small, light aircraft, and in island nations like the Maldives seeking eco-friendly tourism solutions. "We are about green transformation and how we can delay climate change," Mr Lee said.
