GCAA and Airbus ProSky Reach Airspace and ATM Project Milestone

UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Airbus ProSky have reached a major milestone in the UAE Airspace Optimization Programme with completion of the UAE Airspace and Air Traffic management (ATM) System Study. The study contract was signed on 28th January 2013 by HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA.

HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, GCAA Director General, said that GCAA is dedicated to providing a leading, safe, secure and sustainable aviation system. This study provides a key step by the GCAA to ensure the airspace structure and ATM System will be able to handle the sustained traffic growth the UAE has been experiencing and forecasted for the future. Airbus ProSky has worked closely with the GCAA and National Airspace Advisory Committee (NASAC) representatives to provide an in-depth study detailing the current state of UAE airspace and ATM systems, and what they need to meet expectations through the 2030 timeframe for increased capabilities, fuel efficiency and operations. The study also presents the stakeholder agreed-to Concept of Operations plan and provides a path towards its implementation. The study identified key policy matters for national-level decision, and produced 53 specific recommendations that will prepare the UAE for the future and alleviate current day saturation and system limitations.

"GCAA is committed to making the difficult choices and putting forth effort to realize our ATM Strategic Plan for 2030," said Ahmed Al Jallaf, Executive Director of Air Navigating Services. "This study was successful due in large part to the willingness and open collaboration of the UAE airspace stakeholders. This study has not only reached a significant milestone, but has produced extremely important research allowing us to be the Middle East ATM leader and set examples for other regions," he added.

Mr. Al Jallaf continued that the coming times will be more challenging as we will start working on the implementation of the outcome of the study. The UAE intends to implement a global program capable to navigate the aviation industry safely and efficiently to the next era. The GCAA will be working closely with its stakeholders to decide the necessary action plans for the next phase.

Paul-Franck Bijou, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus ProSky said, "Today's Air Traffic Management environment is about collaboration, transparency and leadership. GCAA and NASAC follow this approach and are true examples for the industry. We are honored to be a part of their ongoing dedication and commitment to their customers and stakeholders."