UAE Regulations Lab Issues License for Manned Electric VTOL Aircraft
The UAE Regulations Lab at the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, issued a license for the electric cargo aircraft, with an aim to accelerate the shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation modes and enhance the sustainability of the air cargo industry in the UAE.
The newly issued license will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint by encouraging the adoption of clean energy and harnessing the potential of technology and innovation in redefining the future of the logistics sector and its impact on the environment and climate.
The issuance of the electric aircraft license comes under the RegLab’s national mission by facilitating the development of necessary laws and regulations that keep pace with the rapid developments in mobility, health, 3D printing technologies, artificial intelligence and more.
Since its launch in 2019, the RegLab has been working with government entities and the private sector through a comprehensive and innovative operating model, based on experimentation, legislating and the integration of emerging technologies that shape the future.
UPS Plans to Buy 150 Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft
The temporary license comes in collaboration with the United Parcel Service (UPS) -an American multinational shipping & receiving and supply chain management company, to test electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the UAE.
As per the license, UPS will be able to start its cargo operations through a new sustainable aircraft that conforms to the specifications and standards adopted internationally in the electric air cargo and transportation system.
His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), stressed the importance of the RegLab license as it provides the legal provision on a temporary basis to advance the UAE’s journey towards net zero emissions by 2050.
“The UAE is keen to adopt international best practices and advanced technologies in the air cargo industry,” he added.
His Excellency added: “Our country has become one of the most developed countries in the efficiency of air cargo operations. The application of the electric air cargo system will impact this sector positively, in accordance with the best standards of sustainability.”
Her Excellency Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State, Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, said that the UAE has succeeded in achieving significant strides in the field of sustainability and combatting climate change.
She affirmed that the country is spearheading global efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainability, thus contributing to shaping a better future for humanity.
Her Excellency noted: “The Regulations Lab works with a number of experts, legislators from the federal and local government entities, private sector and entrepreneurs.”
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority said that GCAA possesses all the cadres and capabilities, in addition to the necessary legislation to provide a safe operating environment for this type of aircraft.
Al Suwaidi pointed out the advantages of this type of air transport within cities compared to helicopters, as it provides a kind of ease and flexibility for movement at an operational cost, lower noise, and a clean energy that is environmentally friendly.
In conclusion, he stressed on the expected challenges such as, the congestion of airspace with the entry of this new segment or category, which the GCAA will deal with in the best way.
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