emirates7 - The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has introduced the region’s first national regulation for certifying air navigation service providers for unmanned aircraft, called CAR Airspace Part Uspace.
This regulation establishes a comprehensive framework for organizations wishing to provide air navigation services for drones, ensuring they meet stringent operational and safety standards.
Taking a holistic approach, the regulation addresses key areas such as contracting, training, quality assurance, safety, future planning, auditing, and certification. Its aim is to smoothly integrate drone operations into the existing aviation system, ensuring a cohesive, efficient, and safe airspace through licensed providers offering specialized air navigation services for drones.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that the regulation reflects the UAE’s dedication to safety, efficiency, and innovation in aviation.
“With drone operations set to double in the near future, this forward-thinking regulatory framework will act as a model for the seamless integration of drone and commercial aviation, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in the regional aviation industry,” he added.
Aqeel Ahmed Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General of Aviation Safety Affairs, emphasized that the regulation is crucial for the safe integration of advanced drone technologies into UAE airspace. By setting clear certification standards, it ensures safety and professionalism while supporting the industry’s growth and strengthening the UAE’s position as a regional leader in innovative aviation practices.
As drone technology continues to evolve rapidly, the demand for unmanned aircraft in airspace is expected to grow significantly. The number of drone operations in the UAE is anticipated to double in the coming years, driven by technological advancements and a growing reliance on autonomous aerial systems.
This regulation establishes a comprehensive framework for organizations wishing to provide air navigation services for drones, ensuring they meet stringent operational and safety standards.
Taking a holistic approach, the regulation addresses key areas such as contracting, training, quality assurance, safety, future planning, auditing, and certification. Its aim is to smoothly integrate drone operations into the existing aviation system, ensuring a cohesive, efficient, and safe airspace through licensed providers offering specialized air navigation services for drones.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that the regulation reflects the UAE’s dedication to safety, efficiency, and innovation in aviation.
“With drone operations set to double in the near future, this forward-thinking regulatory framework will act as a model for the seamless integration of drone and commercial aviation, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in the regional aviation industry,” he added.
Aqeel Ahmed Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General of Aviation Safety Affairs, emphasized that the regulation is crucial for the safe integration of advanced drone technologies into UAE airspace. By setting clear certification standards, it ensures safety and professionalism while supporting the industry’s growth and strengthening the UAE’s position as a regional leader in innovative aviation practices.
As drone technology continues to evolve rapidly, the demand for unmanned aircraft in airspace is expected to grow significantly. The number of drone operations in the UAE is anticipated to double in the coming years, driven by technological advancements and a growing reliance on autonomous aerial systems.