Forum showcases future technologies in aviation

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Thursday organised the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Forum under the theme “From Vision to Safe and Sustainable Operations within the National Aviation Strategy 2040”.
The event saw the participation of more than 150 attendees representing over 40 entities, including government entities, military and security agencies, as well as representatives of the aviation sector, operators, technology solution providers, Omani companies, investors, and industry partners, in addition to universities, colleges, and youth interested in future technologies.
The forum comes as part of the Authority’s efforts to support the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Aviation Strategy 2040, and to enhance the Sultanate of Oman’s readiness to keep pace with the rapid global transformations in the aviation sector.
It also aims to enable the AAM ecosystem in a way that supports innovation, sustainability and economic diversification.
Eng Nayef bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, stated in his opening speech that AAM is no longer a distant future concept, but has become a clearly defined national pathway and a modern economic sector through which the Sultanate of Oman seeks to be at the forefront of global transformation.
He noted that this direction reflects the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the priorities of the National Aviation Strategy 2040, which established Advanced Air Mobility as a standalone national programme.
He added that the CAA undertakes a pivotal role in enabling this sector by developing regulatory and legislative frameworks, strengthening safety and security and fostering an environment that supports innovation and investment.
Al Abri said Oman is adopting a gradual and structured approach to implementation, beginning with the establishment of the regulatory framework, followed by the development of unmanned air traffic management systems, and progressing towards safe and sustainable phased deployment of these technologies.
The forum also witnessed the signing of several agreements and Memoranda of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at supporting the AAM ecosystem in the Sultanate of Oman and enhancing the sector’s readiness to keep pace with future transformations in aviation and modern aerial technologies.
A MoC was signed between the CAA, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and the Ibn Firnas Center for Unmanned Aircraft, aiming to strengthen institutional integration in the development of drone and Advanced Air Mobility systems in Oman.
This includes supporting innovation, enabling operational trials, and developing national capabilities in unmanned aircraft systems, in line with national aspirations for a more efficient and sustainable digital and logistics economy.
In addition, the Foundational Charter for the Advanced Air Mobility System in the Sultanate of Oman was signed, representing a foundational framework that brings together government entities, the private sector, and strategic partners within a unified national Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem.
It aims to define shared principles, partner roles, and governance and coordination mechanisms, ensuring the development of a safe, regulated, and sustainable sector, and paving the way for a new phase of innovation in aviation and smart mobility.
Furthermore, the Civil Aviation Authority signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with ITAérea Aeronautical Business School, a leading global institution in aviation management and specialised education. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in national capacity building and the development of specialised competencies in Advanced Air Mobility and unmanned aerial systems, leveraging the institution’s specialised academic and executive programmes in modern aviation disciplines.
The forum also marked the launch of the Espar Summer Academy for Drones, dedicated to school students. The programme aims to introduce participants to the world of drones and develop their skills through specialised training and practical modules.
The programme includes training on drone operation fundamentals and assembly, safety principles and regulatory frameworks, as well as software and technologies used in the field, contributing to the development of technical skills and encouraging interest in future aviation and innovation-related technologies. — ONA