28 November 2024

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), represented by the Deputy CEO for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability, Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimidy, announced significant advancements made by the Kingdom in enabling the use of advanced air mobility. These steps include developing a comprehensive regulatory framework, enhancing existing regulations and applications, and adopting the latest technologies in the field of advanced air mobility.

Captain Al-Muhaimidy delivered this statement during GACA’s recognition ceremony at the Future of Transport Forum today, where the Authority was honored for its efforts in advancing air mobility technologies. GACA’s contributions include implementing forward-looking initiatives and participating in various projects to introduce modern transportation methods.

In his speech, Captain Al-Muhaimidy outlined the sector's strategic programs and initiatives, highlighting the launch of a roadmap for advanced air mobility. This roadmap has accelerated the adoption of advanced technologies in the Kingdom, paving the way for a new generation of vertical airports and infrastructure designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft – key components of advanced air mobility.

He noted that the Authority has successfully conducted several pilot projects across the Kingdom. These include the first successful vertical take-off and landing aircraft flight in the Neom region in June 2023, and an air taxi trial during the Hajj season. Additionally, GACA is collaborating with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure global consistency in advanced air mobility regulations.

Captain Al-Muhaimidy explained that the advanced air mobility roadmap launched earlier this year aligns with the Kingdom’s national aviation strategy.  The roadmap is built on seven key pillars and encompasses 24 initiatives aimed at adopting technical solutions, developing infrastructure, achieving comprehensive governance, building trust, attracting investments, establishing regulations and systems, and empowering human capital.