Dubai: The UAE has made significant achievements with recent airspace restructuring, according to speakers at Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) today. Throughout the day delegates heard about achievements, challenges and opportunities facing the industry from key leading figures.

“The objective for the UAE is to align its strategic plan with the global plan and methodology,” said Ibrahim Ahli, Deputy CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), during his welcome address. He continued, “While at the same time ensuring it meets our own needs and challenges.” Mentioning that Dubai International Airport is “Open 24/7, and busy 24/7” he stated how many European airports are unable to achieve this due to curfews, while it presents opportunities we must remain mindful of challenges too. “Even minor routine maintenance can present challenges when you are open 24/7.”

Giving the keynote address Mohammed Al Dossari, Director, Air Navigation and Aerodromes Department, General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) discussed the need for the region to embrace the Global Air Navigation plan while expanding upon the improvement opportunities it offers for operations and how it can align with the UAE’s 2020 goals.

“The UAE successfully completed phase three of the airspace restructuring project in an extremely tight time frame,” he mentioned. “This has increased UAE airspace access and we are on track to meet our predictions for forecast capacity for 2020.”

Delegates at GATM heard a real world example of how digitisation can revolutionise air traffic management, with Brett Weihart, CEO of Scandinavian Mountains Airport presenting a case study of the airport’s implementation of the first international airport in the world to be built without a traditional tower.

“A traditional tower is a higher investment cost” said Weihart, “and the remote location creates its own difficulties of staff recruitment and retention.” He continued, “Additionally the seasonality of the airport means the staff requirement is less during the off season.”

The benefits of the digital tower include, according to Weihart, a shorter build time, lower investment cost and more flexibility of opening hours, among others. Another benefit is seamless decision making. “Intelligent algorithms will provide operators with automated alerts, predictions, and suggestions – all at their fingertips,” he stated.

Also speaking at GATM, Michael Hayes, Manager, Air Navigation Regulations at the GCAA, discussed the development of ATM over the years and looked in detail at the challenges presented by the growing popularity of drones. “The Unmanned Aviation Revolution has arrived,” he stated. “Our challenge is for the whole aviation community to work closely together.”

“The potential of this UTM development and implementation may provide opportunities to not only allow the safe integration of unmanned aircraft into our current ATM system but should also enable major enhancements to it, which will make management of manned operations more efficient, safe and secure.”

Other industry leaders speaking at GATM included Ryyan Tarabzoni, President of Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS); Sharon Cooke, CEO of Airways International; Khaled AbdulRahman Al Awadhi, Director Automated Collection Systems, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA); Attila Simon, Director of Business Development of HungaroControl and Todd Donovan, Vice President, Digital Aviation, Thales Air Traffic Management.

H.E. Mohammed A. Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) said, “Aviation is one of the pillars of growth for the UAE. All the institutions and stakeholders need to work closely together to achieve this growth. GATM is an ideal event for the region, as it brings together all the key players in the industry and allows them to share knowledge and learn from each other, to see the industry continue to lead the way globally.”

GATM continues tomorrow, Tuesday 6 November at the Roda Al Bustan, Dubai.

For Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East, contact: Kate McGinley, PR Manager – T: +971 4603 3300 E: kate.mcginley@dubai.aero 

-Ends-

About Global Air Traffic Management

Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) will take place 5-6 November 2018 in Roda Al Bustan, Dubai. This two-day conference and exhibition will bring together the entire buying chain of the Air Traffic Management industry with a particular focus on global engagement. GATM will see recognised senior airspace experts addressing current market issues and developing workable solutions that can be implemented in the MENA region.

GATM will bring together Air Navigation Service Providers, Civil Aviation Authorities, Airport Authorities, Airlines, Air Traffic Management service and solutions to discuss the future of the global air traffic management industry. In addition, a wide range of networking and thought leadership programmes will take place over the two days.

For more information about the series, please visit: www.gatm.aero 

About Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East

Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East is one of the most influential names in the aerospace industry's events sector, which launched the very first Dubai Airshow in 1989, in conjunction with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports and the UAE Armed Forces.

Covering all aerospace-related events in the Tarsus portfolio, Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East has a long-standing relationship with the global aerospace industry, an in-depth knowledge of the market and a hard-earned reputation for delivering event excellence. Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East maintains offices in Dubai and London.

Other events organised by Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East include the Airport Solutions Series www.airportsolutions.com, Cargo Connect www.cargoconnect.aero , the Dubai Airshow www.dubaiairshow.aero , the MEBAA Show www.mebaa.aero , Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) www.aime.aero , Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Middle East (MRO ME) www.mrome.aero , MEBAA Conferences www.mebaaconference.com  and the MEBAA Show Morocco www.mebaamorocco.aero .

© Press Release 2018

Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.

The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.