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Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS) recently hosted the first Asia-Pacific Regulators Meeting on Advanced Aircraft Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This initiative aims to foster collaboration among 17 Asia-Pacific civil aviation authorities (CAAs) and 24 AAM and UAS institutes and companies to pool expertise, identify risks, and pave the way for the safe and effective integration of AAM and UAS technologies.
The AAM and UAS are poised to redefine how people work, move, and live. The challenge for regulators is to keep pace with these technological leaps, harnessing their benefits while prioritising security, public safety, and aviation safety.
In the realm of AAM, several CAAs have already certified air taxis, with others in the process of doing so. However, the challenge extends to CAAs that are not regulators for the States of Design, requiring them to establish regulations to subsequently accept these innovations into service as States of Registry, States of the Operator, and States of the Aerodrome.
The domain of UAS has already witnessed widespread adoption in many countries, with drone operations becoming a common sight. A recent survey conducted by CAAS highlighted that most CAAs in the Asia-Pacific region find beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations the most challenging to regulate.
Additionally, CAAs identified five key use cases – infrastructure inspection, recreational and sports activities, surveillance and security, delivery and logistics, and aerial photography and videography – where sharing approaches and technical requirements could enhance regulatory capabilities.
In response to these challenges and anticipation of future needs, CAAS initiated the Meeting of Asia-Pacific Regulators on AAM and UAS. The objectives were to raise awareness of new technologies and regulatory approaches, facilitate alignment on regulatory practices, and support the adoption of policies and regulations.
Chaired by CAAS Director-General Han Kok Juan, the inaugural meeting saw Asia-Pacific CAAs identifying eight priority areas. Workstreams were established to address each of these areas, with the CAAs committed to developing a set of reference materials by 2025. These materials will serve as a guide for regulators, enabling them to consider, adapt, and utilise them to facilitate the commercial operations of AAM and the implementation of complex UAS operations.
In conjunction with the Regulators Meeting, CAAS organised the Regulators-Industry Engagement Meeting. This parallel event provided CAAs from across the region with a platform to share regulatory approaches and engage with private sector institutes and companies.
Han Kok emphasised CAAS’s commitment to fostering greater collaboration among regulators and industry, aiming to co-design and co-develop rules that balance technology leverage with security and safety objectives.
The collaborative efforts undertaken at the Meeting of Asia-Pacific Regulators on AAM and UAS signify a significant step toward a harmonised and well-regulated future for advanced aircraft mobility. By streamlining and aligning regulatory processes, accelerating approval and adoption across States, and supporting public education and outreach.
This collaborative initiative not only signifies a significant step forward in harmonising and regulating advanced aircraft mobility and unmanned aircraft systems but also holds the promise of unleashing the entire spectrum of their capabilities across the vast and dynamic Asia-Pacific region.
CAAS Director-General Han Kok cited that the integration of digital technology into AAM and UAS is game-changing, ushering in previously unseen capabilities, operational efficiency, and safety standards. This connection is at the forefront of shaping aviation’s future, leveraging digital advancements to realise the full potential of AAM and UAS technologies.
By fostering a cohesive approach to technological advancements, safety measures, and regulatory frameworks, this partnership aims to unlock the full potential of AAM and UAS technologies, ushering in a new era of innovative and efficient air mobility solutions throughout the region.