GAS to drive greater sustainability, youth engagement, innovation

Now in its seventh edition, this long-standing event continues to convene the brightest minds and cutting-edge solutions in the aerospace, space, and defence sectors, consistently attracting government officials, industry CEOs, and leading academics committed to advancing the industry globally. Sponsors and participants at the Summit will exchange knowledge, forge new relationships, and celebrate achievements to shape the future of aerospace.

Key themes at the Summit include aerospace technology, policy, and investment, with discussions focusing on advancements in aviation and aerospace. The event will explore developments in space and the opportunities presented by satellite broadband connectivity, along with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), electric propulsion, hydrogen-powered aircraft, and more.

Since its inception in 2012, the Global Aerospace Summit has solidified the UAE’s position as a leading hub for aerospace, with the aviation industry becoming a major driver of economic growth. The space economy is forecast to reach US$1.8 trillion by 2035, up from $630 billion in 2023, growing at an average of 9 percent per annum – well above the growth rate of global gross domestic product (GDP).

Waleid Al Mesmari, President, Space and Cyber Technologies, EDGE, commented, "As a platinum sponsor of the Global Aerospace Summit, EDGE values the unique opportunity to connect with key players in the defence, space, and aviation sectors. The event facilitates high-level dialogue, enabling us to share knowledge, explore advancements, and forge strategic partnerships that drive innovation locally. It also provides a platform to showcase EDGE’s expanding sovereign capabilities in space. The Summit continues to be an essential forum for collaboration and shaping the future of the aerospace industry."

Panel sessions will cover aerospace trends, space communication, air travel demand, sustainability, air cargo, and advanced aerial mobility. High-level speakers include Ricardo Conde, President of the Portuguese Space Agency, Dr. Mohamed Alahbabi, Senior Advisor – Space and Cyber Technologies at EDGE Group, and Nicole Mauthe, Board Director and Founder of NMI Engineering. Key topics such as global business aviation trends, supersonic travel, sustainability initiatives, and critical issues related to liquidity, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and supply chain resilience for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will also be discussed.

Liz Beneski, CEO of AmCham Abu Dhabi, stated, "At AmCham Abu Dhabi, we are committed to fostering the expansion of the US-UAE bilateral relationship by promoting collaboration within the aerospace and defence sectors. This critical partnership has been instrumental in driving advancements and economic growth, with over 140 US companies participating in the Dubai Airshow 2023 and many US companies present at this year's Global Aerospace Summit, marking the largest US presence to date. The UAE and US collaboration and investments in defence hardware and services underscore the depth and importance of our shared interests in this sector, supporting regional stability and prosperity."

The NextGen Leaders initiative is a key element of the Summit, inspiring and nurturing the next generation to bridge the gap between young talent and industry leaders. The programme supports the UAE’s Emiratisation objectives, fostering talent development to maximise the potential of the region’s brightest minds.

VISTA, a dedicated area for showcasing global start-ups, is set to disrupt the aerospace industry, featuring companies ranging from crypto to eVTOLs. Engaging content will be displayed on the Innovation Hub stage, where participants will have the opportunity to pitch their solutions live before an esteemed panel of investors.

Simon D’Oyly, General Manager, MENA at Fly Victor, said, "I’m delighted to have the opportunity to share insights from our industry-leading ‘Pay Here, Use There’ Sustainable Aviation Fuel solution at the Global Aerospace Summit. Over the past two years, in partnership with Neste, the world’s leading producer of SAF, we have observed a significant number of flyers willing to pay more to take credible climate action when they fly. I look forward to discussing these insights with delegates at the event's panel, ‘Accelerating SAF Production and Adoption.’"

Keynote addresses will include a session titled ‘Milestones and Future Endeavours Shaping the Nation's Space Ambitions’ by Salem Al Marri, Director-General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and Ali Rajab, Executive Vice President of GACA and Board Member of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, delivering an address titled ‘Saudi Air Connectivity Program: Updates and Progress'.