ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Advocates for development of Advanced Air Mobility

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East continues to proactively advocate for the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). At the K-UAM Confex Conference, which took place in Incheon, Republic of Korea recently, Mr. Philip Kwok, Manager- Economics, made an insightful presentation underscoring the advantages of AAM, and how the new mode of transportation could enhance efficiency, promote smarter use of urban infrastructure, facilitate sustainable travel, and attract new generation of professionals to join the aviation industry. 

The K-UAM Confex Conferernce, which began in 2021, is where leading cities and airports establish a cooperative system and connect with each other. The conference aims to serve as a platform for the AAM global industrial ecosystem to discuss and display the latest technologies and trends in the AAM field. This 2023 edition had over 600 delegates and 30 exhibitors, divided into 8 pillars that included conference, panels, seminars, interviews, workshops, and business matching activities.

The conference was a joint effort of over 20 entities ranging from government minstries, airlines, airport, investors, local authorities, universities and aerospace institutes, including Incheon International Airport, Hyundai Motor Group, Korean Air, Minitry of Land, and Transport, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Ministry of SMEs and startups. 

Philip emphaisised that the emergence of AAM would have huge implications on airport infrastructure and ground equipment. He also said that infrastructure, energy and utility constraints, certification, standard and regulation harmonisation, air traffic management, and public acceptance would pose a significant challenge to the implementation of AAM However, collaboration between industry stakeholders would be the key. 

Philip said the importance of standardised certifications, and policy frameworks to regulate the AAM sector that aim at bringing about the highest levels of safety and security, and ensuring fair market access and competition, allowing the AAM ecosystem to thrive and grow. Philip concluded the presentation by inviting the Conference to undertake continuous, inclusive and pragmatic dialogue between stakeholders of the AAM sector, conventional air transport, and local communities to provide safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions for all.