CAAM appoints Futurise to spearhead Advanced Air Mobility Steering Committee for Malaysia

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has announced the appointment of Futurise Sdn Bhd (Futurise) as the Secretariat of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Steering Committee. The appointment is underpinned by Futurise's established regulatory sandbox expertise in various new innovations including drone technology and will now be involved in assisting CAAM in the development as well as charting the regulatory direction of the AAM industry.

This appointment comes at a pivotal moment as CAAM recognises the immense potential Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) holds for Malaysia, positioning the nation at the forefront of next- generation transportation solutions within the low-altitude economy. As urbanisation and congestion strain traditional infrastructure, AAM presents innovative alternatives for faster, more efficient, and sustainable travel, particularly in urban hubs and remote regions. Malaysia's strategic location, coupled with its advancing technological capabilities and government initiatives like the National Transport Policy, lays a solid foundation for AAM to revolutionise the transportation landscape. By integrating cutting-edge solutions such as eVTOLs (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft) and drone-based logistics, the country can unlock significant economic opportunities, drive the growth of industries such as mobility and air-based services, and improve overall connectivity and accessibility. With this progress, Malaysia is poised to lead the development of a thriving, sustainable low-altitude economy.

In the soon to be released AAM industry report, which is a collaboration between Futurise and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), the introduction of AAM is expected to generate RM70bn in additional revenues, representing an additional 1.9% of total revenues in the economy. Similarly, value added to the economy will also rise, contributing 2.3% to GDP or an additional RM34bn during the 2021-2040 period. The expansion of AAM services will also generate more income for workers involved in infrastructure preparation and operation, with 2.3% of total salaries or RM14bn shall be added to total income in the country.

"The future of transportation lies in the sky, and Malaysia is uniquely positioned to harness the potential of AAM. By fostering innovation and creating the right regulatory environment, we are enabling the development of the low-altitude economy, which will transform industries and improve quality of life for Malaysians," said Rosihan Zain Baharudin, CEO of Futurise.

Meanwhile, CEO of CAAM, YBhg. Dato' Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud stated, "The regulatory environment will play a crucial role in the successful adoption of AAM technologies. By creating a clear and effective regulatory sandbox, we can test, refine, and safely scale AAM solutions, ensuring that Malaysia leads the way in shaping the low-altitude economy while prioritizing safety and innovation."

He also further added, "It is our hope that this collaboration with Futurise can strengthen the efficiency of the country's civil aviation industry in a sustainable manner, in addition to ensuring compliance with international surveillance and safety standards".