DAE’s partnership with GCAA is aimed at strengthening UAE’s aerospace and aviation sector.

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have signed an agreement both groups said will ‘strengthen the UAE aviation and aerospace sector through path-breaking initiatives’.

The organisations plan to join forces in initiating research and addressing issues of air transport policy, sustainable infrastructure and human resource development, as well as environment, tourism, security and safety.
They will also establish a UAE/ICAO Centre for Aerospace Research and Development, a national initiative being launched in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UAE GCAA, DAE, and all other UAE aviation stakeholders.
In addition, ICAO, the GCAA and DAE University (DAEU) will convene at a global conference to address the ‘Impact of Air Transport on Climate Change’ in Dubai, 9-11 March 2008. The event will bring together leaders from industry, government, academia and international organisations to discuss the challenges facing air transport.

Bob Johnson, DAE Chief Executive Officer 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.”

DAEU and GCAA will also develop an aviation leadership programme for exceptional high school graduates, paving the way for a career in the aviation industry.

Mohamed G. Al Gaith, Director General, GCAA, commented on the initiative: “The leadership programme for UAE nationals will help the country build a pool of talented and experienced aviation and aerospace personnel. The 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.”

By Natasha Piscitelli