DAE and GCAA sign agreement to empower national aerospace and aviation sectors

The two organisations will join forces in initiating research and addressing issues of air transport policy, sustainable infrastructure and human resource development, environment, tourism, security and safety. Other pioneering initiatives include the establishment of the UAE/ICAO Centre for Aerospace Research and Development, a national initiative in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UAE GCAA, DAE, and all other aviation stakeholders in the UAE.

Under the parameters of this collaboration, ICAO, the GCAA and DAE University (DAEU) will convene a global conference to address the; Impact of Air Transport on Climate Change in Dubai in early 2008.

Bob Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, said:

"The agreement between DAE and GCAA sets a new direction of growth for aerospace and aviation research in the region. For the first time, the lead players in the sector are joining hands to share their learning. This will create a new international reference point for aviation and aerospace-related research from the region."

Dr. George H. Ebbs, President and Chief Executive Officer, DAEU, added: "Reliable aerospace and aviation education and research data will be key determinants of the future of the industry in the region, and to this end, it is important that the main players join hands and pool their knowledge base. The agreement will therefore have far-reaching influence on the way the industry takes shape regionally."

DAEU and GCAA will also develop an aviation leadership programme for exceptional high school graduates, thus paving the way for a career in the aviation industry. "The leadership programme for UAE nationals will help the country build a pool of talented and experienced aviation and aerospace personnel," observed Mohamed G. Al Gaith, Director General, GCAA. "This educational initiative is one of the focal areas of the agreement and will encourage more students to gain world-class aviation education in the country itself."

Jalal Haidar, Permanent Representative of the UAE to ICAO, added: "The UAE/ICAO Centre for Aerospace Research and Development, one of the initiatives outlined in the agreement, is poised to become a global think-tank. It will serve as a repository for aviation and aerospace related data focused on the region and beyond and will have an industry-led, applied research approach that capitalizes on global expertise. The Centre will further aim to provide intellectual protection of the UAE's national investment in the aviation and aerospace sectors, and develop a new generation of aviation professionals."

A global conference on the impact of air transport on climate change - another initiative as part of this agreement - is a proactive move from the region to address this pressing global concern, To be held from March 9 to 11, 2008, the Conference will bring together leaders from industry, government, academia and international organizations to discuss the challenges facing air transport in this field.