LAGOS – Barr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has expressed optimism that Nigeria would tap into the opportunities in the Advanced Air Mobility.
A statement by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to Keyamo on Wednesday, said that the minister made the comment at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) symposium on AAM with the theme: ‘Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Global Harmonisation and Interoperability: Challenges and Opportunities,’ in Montreal, Canada, which started earlier in the week.
Keyamo also assured ICAO and the international community that Nigeria was ready to explore innovative technologies in a bid to advance its aviation industry and make it at par with its counterparts elsewhere.
Some of the innovative concepts of AAM include electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, vertiports, automation, airspace integration, and a trust framework for the new technologies.
He also expressed the willingness of the country to work with ICAO and other countries to ensure a safe and secure aviation industry in the country.
He said: “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.”
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“As we explore these innovative technologies, Nigeria is committed to working closely with ICAO and other stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable integration into our national aviation system.”
The AAM 2024 is a groundbreaking event built on the developments of ICAO’s Drone Enable programme, the statement added.
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 also gathered at the symposium to exchange research, best practices and lessons learned, with a focus on the integration of AAM into the global aviation system.
In attendance alongside Keyamo are Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director-General, Civil Aviation (ADGCA) and representatives from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other key industry players from Nigeria.
Notable international attendees included ministers from the United Arab Emirates (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,” the statement said.
