Integrating Advanced Technologies in MEASA Aviation Industry

Over the past decade, the aviation and automotive industry particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) continuously evolves and includes forward technologies to develop advanced vehicles and aircraft based on hybrid and electric propulsion systems.

Numerous airports seize opportunities to integrate drones, electric Vertical TakeOff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and other vehicles into their operations. Given that, the range of potential applications is steadily expanding due to the efforts of companies and start-ups. Together, they are establishing a new industry known as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

The AAM is known to be cheaper, quieter, and does not require as much infrastructure as needed to operate. It is also expected to become more autonomous over time to further reduce the costs in the aviation industry. Cleaner and more efficient aircraft, powered by non-traditional fuels and advanced propulsion technologies, are emerging each year.

It represents the evolution and implementation of cutting-edge aviation technologies and novel air transportation methods. This concept integrates both manned and unmanned aerial systems into various environments, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. AAM comprises a diverse array of aircraft types, such as eVTOL vehicles, drones, and other advanced aerial platforms.

Following this concept and measures, eVTOL, AAM, and drones cite different opportunities in the aviation industry as follows:

• Enhanced Efficiency and Speed: Drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) systems are poised to revolutionise transportation and logistics by significantly reducing delivery times. In regions like the Middle East, where challenging terrains and vast distances often complicate traditional delivery methods, drones provide an innovative solution to bypass these obstacles. This capability ensures that goods reach their destinations more swiftly, overcoming geographical constraints and optimising the overall logistics process.
• Cost Reduction: By minimising reliance on human labour and conventional transportation infrastructure, drones and AAM systems offer a cost-effective alternative for goods delivery. This is particularly beneficial in remote or difficult-to-access regions, where traditional logistics methods are often expensive and inefficient. By lowering operational costs, these technologies make it feasible to maintain efficient delivery systems even in areas where costs might otherwise be prohibitive.
• Improved Safety: Drones play a crucial role in enhancing safety, particularly in high-risk industries such as oil and gas, construction, and infrastructure maintenance. By using drones for tasks like inspecting pipelines, monitoring oil rigs, or surveying construction sites, the need for human workers to be physically present in dangerous environments is minimised. This not only protects workers but also ensures that operations can continue smoothly and without disruption, contributing to long-term safety and efficiency.
• Environmental Benefits: One of the most compelling advantages of drones, AAM systems, and electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles is their potential to reduce the environmental impact of traditional logistics. Powered by renewable energy sources, these technologies can significantly lower carbon emissions compared to conventional transportation methods. Furthermore, the growth of AAM and eVTOL has catalysed advancements in energy and battery technologies, such as hydrogen batteries and synthetic fuels. This shift aligns with the Middle East's increasing commitment to sustainability and the development of green technologies, fostering local innovation and contributing to the region's environmental goals.

Incorporating these advanced technologies into the logistics and transportation sectors not only promises efficiency gains but also opens new opportunities for environmental and economic advancement, benefiting both businesses and the wider community.

The Middle East is positioning itself as a leader in commercial eVTOL operations, with aspirations for air taxis to commence passenger services in the region within the next few years. The Persian Gulf is becoming a hub of development, driven by collaborations between platform developers, infrastructure specialists, and public agencies.

In February 2024, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Skyports Infrastructure, and eVTOL platform developer Joby Aviation signed an agreement initiating passenger air taxi services in the emirate by 2026. Dubai has unveiled its preliminary plans to construct a vertiport terminal dedicated to electric flying taxis. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to integrate seamlessly with the nation's existing public transportation network, thereby introducing a new and innovative mobility service.

Skyports Infrastructure emphasised its exclusive rights to build and operate vertiports in Dubai, stating: “The agreement is the first time globally that a transport authority, vertiport operator, aircraft manufacturer, and relevant regulatory bodies have partnered to enable AAM. It will see Dubai become the first location with a commercial, city-wide electric air taxi service.”

Dubai’s initial AAM network will consist of four vertiports at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina. Air taxi flights between these locations are expected to “reduce journey times significantly,” with a typical journey from DXB to Palm Jumeirah taking ten minutes by air taxi compared to 45 minutes by car.

Meanwhile, as India became the third-largest civil aviation market in the world, its operational airports number increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 today. The country is developing infrastructure and regulations for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, including significant initiatives like the Bangalore Airport collaboration.

The increase in technology investment by airports surpasses that of any other sector. On average, airports plan to boost their technology investment by 17%.

According to Amadeus, in collaboration with Opinium Research, which conducted the Travel Technology Investment Trends 2024, 94% of airports anticipate at least moderate investment in their organisations, with 44% planning to invest aggressively over the next 12 months. Airports are channeling more resources into technology to enhance operations, improve customer experience, bolster cybersecurity, and promote sustainability.

In summary, vertiport and eVTOL regulations are still under development. This broader regulatory landscape will impact the speed at which air taxi operations become a reality in the airports around the Middle East. However, early eVTOL and vertiport operations and experiences in the region could potentially shape the evolution of global regulations governing this sector. Specific regional ambitions, such as the plan to establish inter-emirate air taxi travel in the UAE, will necessitate further approval from local authorities.

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