Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), discussed with Kyle Clark, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Beta Technologies, ways to enhance cooperation, exchange experiences, and share best practices in the field of advanced electric aircraft.

This came during a high-level visit by a delegation from the GCAA and representatives from government entities in the aviation sector in the UAE to Beta’s factory in Vermont, USA, the authority said in a statement today.Saif Al Suwaidi emphasised that electric aircraft technology is currently witnessing tremendous advancements, particularly in light of future visions and plans to integrate air transport into the urban mobility system.

He pointed out that the UAE is a pioneer in this field, working in collaboration with several leading global companies to enhance supportive regulations and policies, and to develop an advanced infrastructure for vertical take-off and landing networks, in preparation for the commercial launch of air taxis in 2026.

Al Suwaidi added that the GCAA is keen to stay updated on the latest global technologies in this area, praising the advanced technologies and precise engineering he observed at the factory, which contribute to global efforts in developing a safe and sustainable advanced air mobility system.

During the visit, Clark underlined Beta’s significant achievements in revolutionising aviation through their development of the ALIA CTOL (Conventional Takeoff and Landing) followed by ALIA VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft.

WAM