UAE Civil Aviation Authority Director Visits AutoFlight for Strategic Research and Industry Exchange

AutoFlight hosted a high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates on July 16 for research discussions and technical demonstrations, reinforcing the company's expanding international partnerships in the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector.

The distinguished delegation included Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director of the General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates (GCAA), Muhannad Sulaiman Al Naqbi, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Shanghai, and Badr Salim Al Olama, Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

Demonstration of World-Leading eVTOL Technology

During the visit, the UAE delegation witnessed a live demonstration flight of AutoFlight’s CarryAll unmanned eVTOL aircraft at the company’s newly established eVTOL testing facility. The CarryAll represents a significant milestone in aviation technology as the world’s first eVTOL aircraft exceeding one-ton capacity to receive both Type Certificate (TC) and Production Certificate (PC) approvals from a civil aviation authority.

The demonstration showcased the aircraft’s advanced capabilities and operational readiness, followed by comprehensive technical briefings on aircraft performance parameters, airworthiness certification processes, and operational deployment scenarios.

Strategic Discussions on Industry Development

The bilateral meeting focused on critical aspects of eVTOL commercialization, including airworthiness certification frameworks and market deployment strategies. The UAE delegation acknowledged AutoFlight’s technological achievements and practical implementation results, and discussed the potential applications for the company’s eVTOL technology throughout the Gulf region.

Expanding UAE Partnership

AutoFlight’s collaboration with the UAE encompasses substantial operational achievements and strategic partnerships. In May 2024, with support from the GCAA, AutoFlight successfully completed a 123-km flight of a 2-ton eVTOL aircraft in UAE airspace, marking the first flight of a heavy-lift eVTOL exceeding one ton in the Middle East region.

The company has also established strategic partnerships with Etisalat Group, a leading multinational telecommunications service provider in the UAE, and Falcon Aviation Services, collectively advancing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) development throughout the Middle East.