Military and Strategic Journal
Issued by the Directorate of Morale Guidance at the General Command of the Armed Forces
United Arab Emirates
Founded in August 1971

2022-07-01

Major Deals Signed at Global Aerospace Summit

The sixth edition of the Global Aerospace Summit successfully concluded on May 26 at the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, after bringing together over 1000+ C-level leaders from the aerospace, space and defence sectors to facilitate global collaboration and partnerships.
 
The three-day Summit welcomed over 120 expert speakers who engaged the audience with 30+ hours of exclusive insights, panel discussions and workshops that will help shape the future of the industry.
 
It was the first in-person event of the Summit since the 2018 edition.
 
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, in his opening ministerial address, highlighted the importance of the Summit in providing a platform for sector leaders to provide unique insights on the future of the industries. He explained how the UAE had become a pioneer in scientific advancement and development across a range of sectors keeping pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
 
He added that the UAE had unleashed its potential to become the capital of artificial intelligence and digital technology, and the first in the region in the area of space exploration.
The mega event, hosted by Mubadala, has been a key platform for the signing of partnerships and collaboration agreements among leading organisations across the aerospace, aviation, space and defence sectors.  
 
Data, Services Accord
During the summit, LeoLabs announced that they received a multi-million dollar award to provide data and services for the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF). LeoLabs will deliver its LEO data and services platform and a full set of training to empower JASDF operators to utilise a range of data and tools, including tracking and monitoring, collision avoidance among other services.
 
Sanad and Triumph Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining their plans to collaborate on the provision of next-generation engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in the UAE. The agreement between both parties aimed at jointly providing critical MRO solutions for multiple engine types for aerospace and aviation industry operators across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.  The parties intend to jointly provide MRO solutions for V2500, CFM and GE90 engine accessory repairs and overhauls.
 
On day two, Eytan Eshel, Chief Technology Officer at Israel Aerospace Industries highlighted the importance of collaborating with key stakeholders to regulate advanced technologies in the aviation sector. This included AI and autonomous technologies that can be used in aviation marking the impact of using single pilot solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in operations. 
 
The UAE Space Agency participated in the Summit. Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said, “ The UAE has realised historical achievements based on a national policy that seeks to build a strong and sustainable national space sector, which would support and protect national interests, and contribute to enhancing the Emirati youths’ capabilities and develop their scientific and technical knowledge and skills. This paves the way for the Emirati youth to be part of the UAE space sector’s journey of development and growth throughout the next 50 years.”
 
Unique Opportunity
James Hogan, Chairman of Knighthood Capital spoke about the future of aviation and said: “The global pandemic has been the biggest systemic shock in the history of aviation, but that does give a unique opportunity for airlines that can move fast to respond to the situation. Smart operators will treat this as a ‘blank sheet of paper’ moment, looking to reinvent processes, products and mind-sets.  There is a huge opportunity in front of us for airlines to create a golden age of innovation and service.” 
 
Hogan added that the airlines that used these levers would be the winners of the coming decades. “Make no mistake: aviation is a hugely resilient industry and will recover from this systemic shock as it always has before.  In previous recoveries – from 9/11, SARS and so on – there have always been winners that used the crisis to surge ahead. We’re about to see those winners emerge this time – and they will be the airlines that take advantage of the blank sheet of paper moment.” 
 
Roberto Sabatini, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Khalifa University of Science and Technology stressed on the need for go vernments, industry leaders and academia to work together on integrating digital transformation and sustainability in their business models. 
 
Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer, UAE Investments Platform at Mubadala Investment Company, described the UAE’s commitment to developing pioneering new technologies, innovating new products and achieving greater sustainability.
 
Badr Al Olama, Executive Director, UAE Clusters, Mubadala, highlighted the success of the UAE’s journey in developing an aerospace hub that includes manufacturing led by Emirati’s and women playing key roles in its development. Al Olama explained the progress being made in sustainable aviation fuel and in clean energy transition.
 
Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Chief Economic Development Officer at Tawazun stressed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign direct investment (FDI) and the economic impact actually increased, thanks to the economic incentives that both the UAE government and Tawazun provide for investors and partners. 
 
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, focused on the importance of the industry working together to achieve greater decarbonisation and reach Net Zero by 2050. He highlighted the success of the airline in making significant progress in achieving increased sustainability.
 
Cost Savings
The Summit witnessed how aligning defence suppliers and customers in strategic partnership roles leads to improved defence capabilities, human capital development, cost savings and efficiencies.
 
Walid Abukhaled, CEO of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), explained during his keynote speech and panel how SAMI is creating jobs though international partnerships, with the organisation committed to being a top 25 global defence contractor by 2030.
 
Commenting on the summit, he said, “The Global Aerospace Summit has earned a reputation for steering the growth of the aviation industry through impactful conversations. As a fast-growing defence and security player, SAMI recognises its commitment to being part of this mission and considers its sponsorship of the event as an important contribution toward future-proofing the sector.”
 
Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Tarsus, Middle East, commented, “Advanced contracting and enhanced technology is leading to a greater focus on defence partnerships, helping to secure longer-term safety and security of nations. The Global Aerospace Summit showcases some of the most advanced technology and methods for partnerships within the international defence sector. The focus on defence at the Summit helps organisations learn about cutting-edge defence capabilities with valuable input from international partners and governments.”
 
The interactive Summit programme was designed to foster collaboration, encourage partnerships and provide bold, disruptive solutions. In addition, the 2022 event added new elements such as a dedicated start-up mentorship clinic lead by Aerospace Xelerated, and technology leadership briefings, focused on implementation of technology in the aerospace sector.
 

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