Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

In an effort to attract more business aviation operators and reduce the bureaucracy involved with obtaining operational and other approvals, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is simplifying its processes and making it easier to communicate with GCAA officials, it said on Wednesday at MEBAA 2024. Under the effort, GCAA is encouraging business aviation companies and those wishing to open shop in Dubai to engage with its officials. It has also established a new&nbsp;Business Aviation Advisory Council to further foster open communications. The initiative is called the "Golden Package for Registering and Operating Private and 
Business Aircraft."
“Looking around at the stunning fleet of private aircraft, it is clear how far the UAE has come,” said Aqeel Ahmed Al Zarouni, GCAA assistant director general for aviation safety affairs. “These efforts align seamlessly with the UAE ambitions—‘We the UAE 2031’—which underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability growth in the aviation sector. We aim to enhance our operational flexibility and appeal to private aviation operators."
The government has seen business aviation demand rising in the local market and wants to encourage this trend.&nbsp;“We [are here] to explore how the UAE continues to redefine business aviation through transformative initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of our dynamic industry,” Al Zarouni added.
“This growth is driven by various factors, rising wealth, evolving business travel needs, and an increasing demand for premium travel experiences. With its strategic location and world-class infrastructure, the UAE stands as one of the most ideal destinations to support and grow this very important sector.”
Development of the streamlining initiative was a result of “extensive consultation with stakeholders,” he said, “including private jet owners. They were integral to shaping the framework.”
An example of the improving conditions is a much-reduced time to obtain an air operators certificate (AOC). This typically would take 1.5 years, he said, but recently the GCAA issued an AOC in just six months. Of course, this requires the applicant to carefully prepare its AOC application and is ready to engage with the GCAA, he explained.&nbsp;
The UAE has 87 private aircraft on its registry and plans call to double or triple that number. “There are many yet to come,” Al Zarouni said.&nbsp;
Another example of how the new efforts are bearing fruit was the GCAA’s awarding of a maintenance repair station approval to Falcon Technic during the MEBAA show yesterday.&nbsp;
In practical terms, what the GCAA’s efforts will do is create a new support framework for private and business aviation. This includes issuance and oversight for AOCs, air operator authorizations, aircraft registration, continuous airworthiness management organizations, and maintenance facility and flight crew licensing processes.
“This transformation package of facilitation measures represents a landmark initiative in the history of civil aviation in the UAE. offering a range of cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and convenience,” Al Zarouni said.
Companies that deal with the GCAA will be able to work with a dedicated ambassador and single point of contact assigned to work with operators.&nbsp;“We’re also developing a centralized platform that…unifies all processes related to air operator certificates and air operator authorizations,” he explained.
“This platform aims to simplify administrative tasks, boost efficiency and deliver a seamless, user-friendly experience for operators and aircraft owners.”&nbsp;Another benefit is that aircraft owners will be able to request customized A6-registration numbers, he said, “adding a bespoke touch to their fleet.”&nbsp;
An important improvement is that operators will be more easily be able to employ freelance, part-time, or self-employed professionals to assist when operational demands temporarily require more personnel.&nbsp;
“As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the business aviation sector,” Al Zarouni said, “I’m pleased to announce also the establishment of the Business Aviation Advisory Council. This strategic initiative is designed to address operational challenges, optimize processes, and drive the growth of the sector by fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.”&nbsp;
According to the GCAA leader, the initiative aims to achieve a harmonious balance between streamlining processes and upholding high standards of security, safety, and quality in civil aviation by introducing innovative measures and setting new benchmarks for innovation and efficiency.

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