Regulators and industry leaders came together in Beijing today for the GCAA-Volar Dialogue: Pioneering Innovation in Green Aviation, an event jointly organized by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Volar Air Mobility.
Among the key participants were H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE GCAA; Mr. Henry Hooi, Chairman of Volar Air Mobility Holding Co.; and Mr. Saif Aldarmaki, Chairman of Volar Air Mobility Industries, along with other leading voices from the aviation sector.
The event spotlighted advancements in green aviation technologies, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), electric and hydrogen-powered propulsion systems, AI-driven pilot training, eco-friendly materials, and green infrastructure. Sustainability expert Dr. Sharon Lu spoke about the ongoing development of SAFs and their alignment with ICAO’s global decarbonization objectives, underscoring the importance of cross-border collaboration. Mr. Guo Yilin of the Liaoning General Aviation Academy shared insights on the RX-series electric aircraft, described as the world’s widest electric aircraft lineup.
A central focus of the event was the ongoing progress of the Green Aviation Technology (GAT) Hub, a collaborative platform for nurturing and commercializing sustainable aviation solutions. The GAT Hub was first launched through an MoU signed last year between GCAA and Volar during the ICAO Advanced Air Mobility Symposium in Montreal.
In his keynote address, H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to sustainable aviation:
“Driving the advancement of green technologies is a key pillar of the UAE’s aviation future. We are committed to fostering innovation, supporting sustainable initiatives, and strengthening global partnerships. The GAT Hub represents an essential step toward achieving cleaner skies and a more sustainable aviation ecosystem. Our collaboration with Volar reflects the UAE’s broader vision of innovation and international cooperation.”
Mr. Henry Hooi, Chairman of Volar Air Mobility Holding Co., emphasized the Hub’s strategic importance:
“The GAT Hub is laying the groundwork for a new chapter in green aviation within the UAE. By linking technology, talent, and capital, we aim to create scalable solutions that will redefine air mobility both regionally and globally.”
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Saif Aldarmaki, Chairman of Volar Air Mobility Industries, noted:
“This dialogue marks another meaningful step in our efforts to empower local communities, expand sustainable air mobility options, and cultivate future-ready talent. Through the GAT Hub, we are focused on creating real-world impact and promoting responsible growth in aviation.”
The event also featured contributions from Dr. Yao Junchen and Ms. Zhang Xue, Co-Founding Members of the International Association for Green Aviation (IAGA). They stressed the critical role of collaboration between academia and industry, and shared practical strategies for accelerating green aviation innovation and talent development.
As part of the Dialogue, UAE delegates connected with several prominent Chinese companies — including Zhonghang Shanda Superalloys, Zhuhai Xiangyi Aviation Technology, Guofu Hydrogen, and Beijing Urban Construction Design & Development Group Co. — all exploring ways to contribute to and expand within the UAE’s growing green aviation landscape.
The event concluded with Volar signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Falcon Aviation to support the commercialization of electric aircraft in the UAE. This partnership represents a major step forward in the country’s efforts to promote clean, advanced air mobility solutions.
