BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
As a strategy to deepen Nigeria’s aviation sector’s global competitiveness, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo is currently leading a Nigerian delegation at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) first-ever symposium on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM 2024) in Montréal, Canada.
The landmark event, which has spanned the past three days, is themed “Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Global Harmonization and Interoperability: Challenges and Opportunities.”
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Tunde Moshood, the Special Assistant Media and Communications to Keyamo.
AAM 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the global aviation landscape, building upon ICAO’s DRONE ENABLE program to explore cutting-edge advancements in aviation technologies.
Discussions at the symposium have focused on key developments in Advanced Air Mobility, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, automation, airspace integration, and vertiports—offering a glimpse into the future of air travel.
Central to these talks is the goal of establishing a global trust framework that ensures the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of these innovations.
The statement added that the symposium has drawn participation from high-profile stakeholders, including industry leaders, government officials, and aviation experts from around the world.
These thought leaders have come together to exchange ideas, share best practices, and address the pressing challenges that come with the adoption of AAM technologies.
Moshood quoted Keyamo as expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to collaborate on global aviation advancements.
“This symposium is a crucial platform for us to not only learn from the experiences of other nations but also to showcase Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing the potential of Advanced Air Mobility,” he stated.
“As we embrace these emerging technologies, we are fully dedicated to working with ICAO and other international partners to integrate AAM safely and sustainably into our national aviation system”, Keyamo was quoted as saying.
The minister was accompanied by key figures in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including Captain Chris Najomo, Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and representatives from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Their participation underscores Nigeria’s readiness to engage in global conversations on the future of aviation.
The event has also attracted major international attendees, with Ministers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, and Ghana joining industry heavyweights from across the globe.
Beyond the rich discussions, the symposium has created valuable networking opportunities, with exhibitors showcasing groundbreaking innovations, research, and commercial applications in the rapidly growing AAM sector.
Keyamo’s Spokesman added that Nigeria’s presence at the historic event solidifies its commitment to positioning itself as a leader in the global aviation space, driving innovation and sustainability in air travel.
