The 10th Edition of Dubai HeliConference paves way for the future MENA VTOL industry

The 10^th Edition of the Dubai HeliShow conference held from 14- 15 June brought together a platform for the stakeholders and potential participants in the MENA VTOL Industry under threefold central themes namely:  The future of Helicopters & UAV Systems in Military Operations and Logistics, new innovations in helicopter and UAV industry for users across industry verticals and Sustainable aviation and measures to achieve the same.

The conference also offered unique opportunities to meet, interact and shape the future of Helicopter, UAV, Military & Homeland Security along with Civil and Military Rotorcraft and Unmanned Aviation industry, bringing together the manufacturers, technical, regulatory, and legal communities under the same roof.

The conference opened with a keynote address by Mr Saood Kankazar, Executive Director Air transport and International Affairs Sector, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, followed by a speech by H.H Sheikha Mozah Bint Marwan Al Maktoum, Dubai’s First Royal Woman Pilot and later with panel discussion under the theme of ‘Future of Air Mobility’ led by Sharief Fahmy with speakers Major General (Retd) John MacDonald, Mr Juan Carlos Campbell and Capt, Ramandeep Oberoi.

Speakers like Dr. Eng Suaad Al Shamsi, the first female aircraft engineer, who talked on “Women in Tech and Mobility,” were among the other highlights of the first day. She emphasized the significant gender gap in the aviation industry.  Dr Yemaya Bordain, President of Americas at Daedalean AI discussed on the transformation of AI in flights and how situational intelligence in the cockpit is vital for pilots in critical cases.

Capt. Husam Gamal, Director of Flight Operations, Falcon Aviation Services, also held a conversation about the state of the helicopter tour business at the time.  “The increase in passengers went up to almost 120% per annum and mainly due to attractive excursion, simplified purchase, high visibility, huge DMC network and extensive availability.”

The second day’s highlights began with presentations on the “Future of Drones in Military Logistics” by Sharief Fahmy, Executive Director EMEA, of  Kaman Aviation, and “Designing, Developing and operating Vertiport Networks in Dubai and Beyond: What Can we Expect by 2026” by Damian Kysely, Head of Infrastructure, EMEA, from Skyports Infrastructure.

Four vertiport sites located near Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown and Dubai Marina, which are currently being considered by Skyports Infrastructure and RTA, were presented to a senior delegation which included His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, accompanied by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These initial locations will connect four of Dubai’s most popular – and populous – areas, providing high-speed, zero-emissions connectivity,” said Damian.

The two- day conference organized by Domus group at the Museum of the Future, Dubai concluded with insightful research, innovating projects led by impactful discussions by industry leaders along with discussions on the policies and regulations that must be looked at to pave a way for the industry.