Latest news with #AqeelAlZarouni
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.
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.
Al Etihad
01-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
GCAA Convenes Aviation Safety Consultative Conference to Advance Regulatory Innovation
1 July 2025 15:12 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)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 Director General of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at GCAA, Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, said, 'ASCC 2025 reflects our collective ambition to lead through collaboration, innovation, and regulatory agility.' '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) 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.
Gulf Business
25-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi: Archer secures approval for first hybrid heliport
Image: Archer Aviation/ For illustrative purposes The project, developed in collaboration with infrastructure partner Falcon Aviation Services and in close coordination with the GCAA, will transform the existing helipad into a dual-use facility capable of handling both traditional helicopters and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The heliport is expected to be operational in H2 2025, forming part of Archer's broader UAE infrastructure rollout in partnership with leading operator Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA). 'This milestone is not just about infrastructure — it reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to innovation and global leadership in Advanced Air Mobility,' said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA. 'This approval represents a new era for civil aviation, driven by partnership and vision.' Setting new benchmarks for hybrid heliports The GCAA has become the first aviation authority worldwide to draft regulatory standards for hybrid heliports, a framework that will allow the safe, efficient integration of helicopters and eVTOL aircraft. The final standards are expected to be published by July 2025 following an industry consultation process. 'This framework ensures that our air mobility infrastructure is safe, efficient, and adaptable—laying the foundation for a unified operational environment,' added Aqeel Al Zarouni, assistant director general of the GCAA's Aviation Safety Affairs Sector. Located at a cruise terminal that receives over 650,000 visitors annually, the site offers strategic access to key cultural and tourism destinations such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed Port, Saadiyat Island, and the Corniche. 'Leveraging existing aviation assets is a cornerstone of our launch strategy. It allows us to move both quickly and safely — getting critical infrastructure ready ahead of our planned commercial launch,' said Archer Aviation CEO and co-founder Adam Goldstein. 'This achievement has only been possible through strong partnerships with the GCAA, ADIO, and our local operating partners.' Captain Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon Aviation Services, noted the significance of repurposing an established heliport: 'Its transformation into a hybrid heliport marks an exciting new chapter. We are proud to support the UAE's vision by introducing future-ready infrastructure.' The apron and airspace design work for the project was supported by Air Synapsis, a Dubai-based heliport and vertiport design and consultancy firm.
