Latest news with #GCAA
Gulf Today
3 hours ago
- 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
4 hours ago
- 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.
The National
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- The National
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. Taking flight Wednesday's test flight in Abu Dhabi took place at the capital's Al Bateen Executive Airport with the operation designed to put the aircraft through hot weather testing as anticipation builds for the eventual launch of commercial flights. The eVTOL aircraft − called Midnight − was unpiloted but it is expected that commercial flights, once approved, will be piloted. It is hoped that air taxis could bolster public transport options and ease congestion on the roads as Abu Dhabi's population continues to surge. The California-based air taxi company, which has completed tests in the US, said its vision is to replace 60 to 90-minute car journeys with 10 to 20-minute electric air taxi trips. Images showed the aircraft soaring over the city adjacent to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. During the flight, technicians tested its performance under extreme heat, humidity, dust and other conditions. 'What we've seen today is the first step towards launching electric air taxis in Abu Dhabi,' Talib Alhinai, general manager for Archer Aviation in the UAE, told The National, adding it was 'the first of many flights that we hope to do in this country'. 'We're very excited to test our aircraft in the hottest months of the year and, if we can show that we can be ready for these conditions, it means … we can operate anywhere, anytime.' Archer said Midnight can carry four passengers and a pilot, is fully electric, has a potential range of about 150km and can fly at speeds of up to 241kph. It can perform both vertical and conventional take-off and landing with Wednesday's test being a vertical take-off. The test flight supports Archer's partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation, which aims to establish air taxi services in Abu Dhabi. The company is working with authorities to launch in Abu Dhabi – the first market in the world that Archer will launch in – and the aircraft will be going through the full approvals process by the UAE's aviation regulator General Civil Aviation Authority before any commercial services start. The launch of air taxis has been eagerly anticipated in the UAE for years. It comes as the population of Abu Dhabi continues to surge with major knock-on effects for public transport but much work remains such as developing the vertiport network. While Archer would not reveal a precise launch date for commercial services, Mr Alhinai said it was hoped they could share that 'in the next several months'. Mr Alhinai also said they were careful about revealing how much taking an air taxi would cost but they were working on price tiers similar to 'upper tier' of ride share services. 'We're a bit careful in terms of determining what that final cost would be because there's just still some final information that we're finalising on what the locations would be and where we would be flying from,' he said, adding that the service was aimed at the general public. It was previously reported prices would be about Dh300 to Dh350 for inner-city travel. Archer had already announced the first 'heliport' would be located in the Mina Zayed Cruise terminal with the existing helipad being converted to dual use by the end of 2025. The Mina Zayed location is close to key sites such as the port, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island. He said it was finalising 'very exciting' other sites. When launched, it is envisaged that people can book a ride through a smartphone app in the same way one would hire a taxi today. Abu Dhabi Investment Office is working with the company on the project. 'This flight marks a significant step towards realising Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead the world in advanced urban air mobility,' said Badr Al Olama, director general of the office. Omran Malek, head of smart autonomous vehicle industry at the office, told The National that Wednesday's test was a 'first step among many to come'. 'We are testing to commercialise,' said Mr Malek. 'In Abu Dhabi we're not just launching an air taxi service, we're launching an ecosystem. 'So from pilot training to maintenance, repair and operations to talent development and the manufacturing part,' he said. Mr Malek said if you looked at the sky above many cities it was 'empty' and 'we need to use and utilise that space above us'. He pointed to the fact Abu Dhabi has many islands – several are being developed – and air taxis could cut the length of travelling between them sharply. 'If you want to go from one island to another, you have to use a bridge but point to point it could take you five to 10 minutes.' Reiterating that integration of the planned air taxi network with other transport systems was crucial, he said they were thinking of how people get off Etihad Rail or use the bus stations and if transport across sea, air and land could be joined up it would be 'a jackpot'. The test follows a separate one on Monday in Dubai by Joby Aviation of its aerial taxi. Four vertiports are planned there as well as tests last month in Abu Dhabi from a different operator. Mr Malek said the efforts were all down to the 'ecosystem from the federal to the government agencies that have worked all together, all marching in the same direction'. 'This technology is coming from abroad but because of the regulatory agility we have, it's being deployed here,' he said. 'And we're considering also exporting this know-how around the region to deploy these systems.'
Yemen Online
4 hours ago
- 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.
Time Out Dubai
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
UAE to allow flying taxis to take-off and land at existing helipads, Civil Aviation Authority says
The General Civil Aviation Authority has announced plans to allow flying taxis in the UAE to take off and land at existing helipads. The world-first regulatory framework will also allow helicopters to operate from specially-made flying taxi vertiports. Dubai looks set to introduce aerial taxis in 2026, with initial plans allowing take-offs and landings at four points across the emirate. Vertiports, allowing vertical take-offs and landings, are being constructed at Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. It's unclear at this time whether the GCAA's announcement will mean a faster rollout of flying taxis to the rest of the emirate. The regulatory framework has been introduced to allow a cost-effective model for the development of infrastructure and accelerates the operational readiness of flying cabs in the UAE. The Joby Aviation flying taxi takes flight in Dubai (Credit: Dubai Media Office) You may like: Dubai's flying taxis are coming soon — here's everything to know The framework has been introduced to allow the country to adopt the futuristic tech more quickly. It will allow conventional helicopter pads and electric vertical takeoff and landing pads to be used by both helicopters and eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft). Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA says the move will allow growth of the aviation industry as a whole. He 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.' In February, the UAE Civil Aviation Authority revealed that it is in the process of mapping out air corridors for aerial taxis to fly through in Dubai. Dubai recently completed its first aerial taxi test flight ahead of a commercial launch in 2025. Life in Dubai Everything you need to know about Etihad Rail so far – the route's map, travel time and more A passenger service will eventually arrive New images show what Al Maktoum International Airport will look like after Dhs128 billion revamp It will be five times the size of DXB when it is finished UAE public holidays All the details on the official public and private sector holidays here
