The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is advancing the UAE’s leadership in next-generation air mobility with the certification of multiple electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for passenger and cargo use.
The initiative marks a major step toward integrating advanced air mobility into the country’s aviation ecosystem.
The GCAA’s certification programme follows a detailed, evidence-based framework that includes technical reviews, flight testing, and operational evaluations. Each phase is designed to ensure the highest global safety and performance standards, with timelines tailored to applicant readiness and compliance milestones.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said the UAE is among the first nations to implement comprehensive regulatory frameworks for Advanced Air Mobility. He emphasized that safety and reliability remain central to the authority’s approach, maintaining the same discipline that defines its aviation oversight.
The certification process, developed in coordination with UAE government partners and international bodies, involves specialized teams overseeing each eVTOL programme. These teams combine technical, operational, and regulatory expertise to ensure smooth and secure integration of the new technologies.
Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General of Aviation Safety Affairs, highlighted that the certification pathway is structured and transparent, enabling innovation while upholding strict safety compliance.
The GCAA reaffirmed its commitment to a modern regulatory framework that supports innovation, builds public confidence, and strengthens the UAE’s global standing in advanced aviation technologies.
Coinciding with these developments, the authority is hosting the UAE Aviation Safety Conference 2025 under the theme “AI and the Future of Aviation Safety: Intelligent Skies, Safer Flights,” bringing together global leaders to explore artificial intelligence and emerging aviation technologies.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
