The General Civil Aviation Authority continues efforts to implement electric rotorcraft certification programs in the Emirates

In line with the UAE’s national vision to maintain its leadership position in the fields of innovation and advanced technology, the General Civil Aviation Authority continues its pioneering efforts in leading the global transformation in the field of air mobility. As the national regulator of the aviation sector, the Authority supervises the approval of a number of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designated for (air taxi) operations and air cargo drones, which represents the beginning of a new era in urban air transport.

The certification process follows a structured, evidence-based framework, starting from the application and technical review stage through to flight testing and operational evaluation, to ensure that each aircraft meets the highest international safety and performance standards. Program schedules are determined in coordination with applicants for accreditation, based on their readiness and ability to meet all regulatory requirements, with the possibility of modifying them when needed.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, said, “The Authority is one of the first regulatory bodies in the world to adopt and implement regulatory frameworks for advanced air mobility. Our approach is based on making safety and reliability at the core of every stage, to ensure innovation in the field of aviation is achieved according to the highest levels of precision and discipline that characterize our regulatory system.”

He stressed that the authority’s methodology for accreditation is in line with the principles and best practices followed by the most prominent global aviation authorities, ensuring that a level of supervision is maintained that is consistent with recognized international standards.

Through close cooperation with partners in government agencies in the country as well as international accreditation bodies, the Authority has formed specialized teams to supervise each electric vertical aircraft (eVTOL) program, which includes an elite group of experts who combine technical competence, operational understanding and organizational capacity. This proactive approach enables the Authority to quickly adapt to new technologies while ensuring full compliance with safety and operational requirements.

Engineer Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the Authority’s Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, added: “The Authority’s accreditation process is based on a clear, transparent, performance-based structure. Program schedules are determined according to the applicant’s readiness and ability to meet all accreditation requirements. We focus on enabling innovation through a strong and effective accreditation path.”

While the Authority keeps technical and operational details within its scope to ensure the integrity of certification programs, it assures the aviation community and the public that every development is subject to close supervision and in close cooperation with aircraft manufacturers, to ensure full compliance with safety standards.

As the national authority responsible for regulating aviation affairs, the General Civil Aviation Authority continues its commitment to enabling the safe integration of new air mobility solutions within the aviation system in the UAE, ensuring that all aircraft operate in the country’s airspace according to a modern, flexible and globally recognized regulatory framework that enhances community confidence and establishes the UAE’s leadership in future aviation.

In a related context, today, Monday, the General Civil Aviation Authority is organizing the Aviation Safety Conference in the UAE 2025 under the slogan “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Aviation Safety: Smart Skies and Safer Flights.” The conference lasts for two days, and brings together an elite group of stakeholders in the aviation sector and government agencies to exchange best practices, discuss the latest regulatory developments, and explore the most prominent innovations in the field of artificial intelligence and emerging technological technologies that contribute to shaping the future of aviation safety.