Montreal: The UAE has announced three major aviation initiatives during a dinner reception it hosted as part of its participation in the 39th session of the General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which is being held in Montreal, Canada, from September 27 to October 7.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) launched The international exhibition on UAV 2018 (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), which will feature latest industry trends and live demonstrations of innovative products, and the launch of the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid international award for aviation, to recognise and celebrate the most influential figures and achievements in the industry.
The awards ceremony for the six-category award will be held every three years, to coincide with the meeting of the ICAO general assembly. The GCAA unveiled details about the international centre for aviation consultancy and training, the new commercial arm of the GCAA and a credible, innovative partner which can contribute to the growth and development of the aviation sector across diverse areas, including aviation safety, security, air transport and institutional development.
Sustainability
Addressing the gathering of world civil aviation leaders and distinguished guests, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy and Chairman of GCAA, highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability and cooperation to advance the civil aviation industry.
Speaking about the growing role of the UAE in the international civil aviation sector, Al Mansouri said, “We believe in our ability to create more achievements if we conduct the appropriate research, receive sound directives and enable talented young minds to avail more opportunities for growth and progress.”
“As the whole world is today monitoring the progress achieved by the aviation sector, I would like to thank our partners for their presence, enthusiasm and strong commitment towards the sector,” he added.
The event featured a virtual reality show, introducing the latest developments in the UAE civil aviation sector and a live UAV demonstration. Delegates were also introduced to Emirati heritage, treated with traditional Emirati food and folk dances.
The UAE joined the ICAO in 1972, nominated a candidate for a seat in the council in 2007, and was later nominated for consecutive terms in 2010 and 2013. The UAE is an active player in the organisation, which is reflected through its chairmanship on a number of specialised committees and membership in other committees.
Orderly growth
The Montreal-based ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations, which codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. Its headquarters are located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The ICAO Assembly, the Organisation’s sovereign body, meets at least once every three years and is convened by ICAO s governing body, the Council. ICAO’s 191 Member States and a large number of international organisations are invited to the Assembly, which establishes the worldwide policies of the organisation for the upcoming three year period. During Assembly Sessions, the ICAO s work programme in the technical, economic, legal and technical cooperation fields is reviewed in detail. Assembly outcomes are then provided to the other bodies of ICAO and to its Member States in order to guide their continuing and future work.
