Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024 to reshape the future of aviation

Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, has inaugurated Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024, which is running until November 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) in the presence of top industry CEOs and distinguished guests.

The event highlights aviation training, advanced air mobility and emerging trends reshaping the future of aviation.

The three-day conference and exhibition, now in its seventh edition, highlights Abu Dhabi’s aspiration to become a global aviation hub by bringing together prominent companies such as Sanad, a Mubadala company, alongside leading industry experts, Boeing, Flight Safety International and Jet Aviation.

The conference showcases the latest developments in aerospace technologies, such as electric air taxis, advanced air mobility, while also addressing crucial topics in training, services, and sustainable aviation safety.

Sheikh Nahyan said: “It is with great pride that we gather at Air Expo Abu Dhabi to celebrate the spirit of innovation, ambition and aviation excellence. This event embodies our collective commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, driving growth, and fostering creativity within the aviation industry.”

“Abu Dhabi’s vision is to support tourism, create jobs and contribute to long-term economic development through such world-class events.With the support of the leadership, represented by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for such industries and exhibitions, we are bringing together innovators, industry leaders, and stakeholders from around the globe, cultivating an environment where collaboration thrive sand prosperity is achieved. Air Expo Abu Dhabi is not only a showcase of cutting-edge aerospace advancements, but also a key platform for future opportunities and partnerships that will propel the industry forward.”

The exhibition’s agenda includes a series of events, most notably the Middle East Aviation Career (MEAC) initiative, which aims to educate, inspire and promote inclusivity within the aviation industry. In response to the rapid growth of the UAE’s aviation sector-fuelled by increasing tourism and strategic government investments-the MEAC addresses the need for a well-equipped workforce. More than 40 leading flight training schools are involved, highlighting the growing demand for qualified pilots. These coordinated sessions provide a unique opportunity to explore career prospects, embrace innovations, share insights, and address challenges in human capital development in the UAE. With a forward-looking approach to global aviation, Abu Dhabi is poised to make a significant impact at Air Expo Abu Dhabi 2024, emphasising the essential role of aviation training in establishing the UAE’s capital city as a key global player.

Focusing on its vision for 2030, Abu Dhabi continues to lead in aviation training solutions across the Mena region, showcasing achievements and milestones that position it as a frontrunner.

Additionally, the Women in Aviation Middle East conference highlights vital progress in air mobility, focusing on opportunities and challenges specifically related to enhancing women’s participation and success in the aviation industry.

Autocraft, a subsidiary of Kintsugi and a leading pioneer in advanced air mobility, introduced its revolutionary EVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) air taxi concept, the E20⁺, at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo. This unveiling marks a monumental step toward efficient and cutting-edge air transportation, designed to elevate mobility and connectivity across the UAE.

The name E20⁺ symbolises more than just a model designation-it represents a new era in urban air mobility. The “E” stands for Electric, reflecting the zero-emission propulsion that drives the future of clean air travel, and Elevate, representing Autocraft’s core mission to Elevate Time-a reminder that mobility is not just about getting from point A to point B, but about enhancing how we experience time itself. The “20⁺” signifies infinite growth, symbolizing a future of limitless possibilities, aligning with the UAE’s vision to innovate and lead in technology and transportation.

“The Autocraft EVTOL represents more than just a vehicle; it embodies our commitment to redefining urban mobility with a focus on progress and efficiency,” said Sean Teo, Managing Director of Kintsugi. “Unveiling this concept in Abu Dhabi, a city renowned for its visionary leadership, shows how the UAE is leading the charge in air mobility innovation. This is more than a new mode of transport-it’s a movement towards a future where we elevate the way people travel-quietly, efficiently, and seamlessly.”

“This unveiling is not just a technical achievement; it reflects the UAE’s unwavering drive for innovation,” said Tareq AlBannay, VP - Future Systems at Kintsugi. “We are incredibly proud that the Autocraft EVTOL will be designed and developed right here in the UAE. It symbolizes our commitment to pioneering a limitless future of mobility-one that aligns perfectly with the UAE’s vision of progress and leadership in air mobility.”