September 12, (THEWILL) – The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is currently representing Nigeria at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s first-ever symposium on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM 2024).
The event, which started three days ago in Montréal, Canada, is themed: “Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Global Harmonization and Interoperability: Challenges and Opportunities.”
AAM 2024 is a groundbreaking event built on the developments of ICAO’s Drone Enable programme. The symposium focuses on innovative concepts in the emerging field of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, vertiports, automation, airspace integration, and a trust framework for these new technologies.
These discussions explore the challenges and opportunities that come with these new mobility concepts and infrastructures. The event has attracted key stakeholders from across the aviation industry, academia, governments, and international organisations.
Experts and industry leaders in AAM and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are gathered to exchange research, best practices, and lessons learned, with a focus on the integration of AAM into the global aviation system. The ongoing work of the ICAO related to these technologies has been at the centre of the discussions, emphasising the need for collective action.
“This symposium is timely and presents an important opportunity for Nigeria and other nations to learn from each other’s experiences as we navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities presented by Advanced Air Mobility.
“As we explore these innovative technologies, Nigeria is committed to working closely with the ICAO and other stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable integration into our national aviation system,” Keyamo said.
In attendance alongside the Minister are Captain Chris Najomo, Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); representatives from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), as well as key industry players from Nigeria.
Notable international attendees include Ministers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, and Ghana, alongside Director-Generals and leading industry figures from around the globe.
The symposium has provided numerous networking and bilateral engagement opportunities, with exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies, ongoing research, and commercial activities in the rapidly evolving AAM sector.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
