UAE, China strengthen civil aviation ties during high-level visit

Strengthening strategic aviation ties

The visit aimed to enhance technical and commercial collaboration in the civil aviation sector, to push forward the UAE and China’s strategic partnership.
The UAE delegation included Badr Salim Al Olama, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Engr. Esmaeel Hassan Alblooshi, Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah, along with senior representatives from the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, EDGE Group, and the Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al-Khaimah (RAKDCA).

Building on strong bilateral relations

Saif Al Suwaidi emphasised that cooperation between the UAE and China in civil aviation continues to grow steadily, supported by existing agreements and the strong bilateral relations.

Focus on knowledge exchange and innovation

He stated, “We are working to expand cooperation with our partners in China, particularly in the fields of manufacturing, technical licensing, and knowledge exchange, contributing to the development of civil aviation systems. This visit represents a practical step towards establishing new partnerships that support the future growth plans of the aviation sector in both countries.”

Shanghai meetings and site visits

The visit began in Shanghai, where the delegation conducted high-level meetings and field visits with several leading Chinese aerospace manufacturers, including Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), TCab Tech, AutoFlight, and CETC LES.

Exploring cutting-edge aviation manufacturing

The UAE delegation, comprising senior representatives from GCAA, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, EDGE, and Ras Al Khaimah Department of Civil Aviation, explored the latest developments in aviation manufacturing.

Tour of COMAC and strategic discussions

Al Suwaidi also toured COMAC’s production facilities and met with Shen Bo, Vice Chairman of COMAC, in a high-level discussion that reviewed the company’s forward-looking plans and explored joint industrial opportunities.

Beijing talks on regulation and systems alignment

The final two days of the visit were held in Beijing, where senior officials from the UAE and China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) and Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) convened to discuss regulatory alignment, certification systems, maintenance cooperation, air navigation services, and institutional development.

High-level meeting concludes visit

The visit concluded with a high-level meeting between Saif Al Suwaidi and his Chinese counterpart, Song Zhiyong, Administrator of CAAC, attended by senior diplomatic representatives from the UAE Embassy in China.

Shared vision for future aviation growth

Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to deepening aviation ties and outlined a mutual vision for future cooperation in the civil aviation sector.