The UAE is undoubtedly at the forefront of countries that excel in the efficiency of air cargo -systems. Furthermore, as part of its efforts to shift towards a more eco-friendly and sustainable means of transport, the UAE Regulations Lab has issued a license for electric-cargo aircraft.
The UAE Government has joined hands with the logistics company United Parcel Service for the initiative to advance the sustainability of the air cargo industry.
Launched in 2019, the RegLab is a one-of-a-kind approach in the UAE in the legislation and application of emerging technologies.
The issuance of the electric aircraft license comes under RegLab’s national mission to “align regulation speed with innovation speed” by ensuring innovations and developments in various sectors, including health, mobility, and artificial intelligence.
These are aligned with the regulations in the industries.
The right to issue regulations concerned with licensing runways, airworthiness, and operations for electric cargo aircraft will rest with the GCAA.
A sustainable aircraft, compliant with the specifications and standards proposed in the international electric air cargo and transport system, will launch the cargo operations of UPS.
By embracing electric air cargo, the country aims to transition into a more sustainable means of transport with reduced carbon emissions, improved flexibility and ease of transportation, and lower noise pollution.
Quoting Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy and chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority, “The UAE is keen to adopt international best practices and advanced technologies in the air cargo industry.
Our country has become one of the most developed countries in the efficiency of air cargo operations. The application of the electric air cargo system will impact this sector positively, in accordance with the best standards of sustainability.”
The minister further added that the country’s investments in the sustainable air transport sector will continue to rise and contribute significantly to the gross domestic product.
However, the new technology has its fair share of challenges, including the risk of airspace congestion, scaling sufficiently to be more affordable than a taxi or van, and acceptance from people who would have aircrafts frequently flying over their homes and cities.
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