GCAA invites submissions for its second Aeronnovation Award Program

UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is inviting submissions for its Second Aeronnovation Award Program for the year 2017.
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This year’s Award themes focus on the innovative solutions for the aviation industry to improve the passenger experience and aviation safety and security. The award is based on the principals that the driving force behind innovation process is people, therefore this scheme will help recognise and provide an opportunity for everyone in the UAE to showcase innovations they have designed and implemented that can positively impact passengers experience, safety and security in the aviation industry. The award prize is 100,000 AED for each of the theme.

Saif Mohamed Al Suwaidi, director general of GCAA said: “The objective of Aeronnovation Award Program is to give an opportunity to participate to all employees of the local department of civil aviation, national carriers, airports, manufacturing organizations and members of general public.” 

Following three themes explained in details were chosen for the 2017 focus which is promulgated through Aeronnovation Award Program:

Improving Passenger Experience 

In the context of current economic conditions and the increasing competitive environment, airlines and airports worldwide are constantly seeking innovative ways of providing services to a complex and diversified clientele. Re-designing passenger experience requires a deeper knowledge of the customer expectations and understanding of service provider’s challenges. It is now well understood by the industry across the world that happy passengers are big spenders. This is significant to the airports as they shift their focus more towards non- aeronautical revenues. Similarly, airlines are constantly on the lookout to add to their product portfolios to meet the changing requirements of travelling public.  There are a number of factors that simultaneously influence passengers experience both on ground and in the air. This Award is aimed at challenging the creative genius of everyone to explore the opportunities and come up with innovative ideas to improve a passenger’s experience at any stage of the air travel. 

Improving Aviation Safety

Over the past few decades, there has been incredible reduction in the numbers of accidents and fatalities in the aviation industry. This is not just good luck but, the result of extensive improvements in the technology and skills and regulations overseeing the industry. The improvements in safety standards are even more impressive when the increase in air traffic is considered. However, there is a growing realization to incorporate innovation in the safety management to ensure a consistent improvement in standards. IATA notes that, given the projected growth in air travel, hull losses would double without further safety improvements and improved ways of managing safety. Members of aviation industry, academia and the general public are invited to participate in this Award Scheme make aviation safer for generations to come. 

Improving Aviation Security 

Continuously evolving security threats and growth in the air travel demand has been an area of concern for passengers that demand a hassle free experience such as long queues or intrusive security check measures. There is a growing realisation to optimise the airport facilities and resources to minimize the passenger inconvenience. Over the past few years, the industry has witnessed technological and procedural improvements in the field of security and the accuracy of threat detection however, there is still a lot that needs to be done. The GCAA is pleased to announce an Award which is designed to bring together industry professionals, academia and everyone else to explore innovative solutions in technology, tools and equipment to help meet both existing and future aviation security challenges.

The award assessment process comprises of two stages, technical evaluation and jury decision. Technical evaluation is carried out by the teams of experts, established by each participating organisation within their structure. The short listed submissions will be forwarded to the next evaluation stage of jury decision. The prize distribution ceremony will take place at the “Aeronnovation Summit” that is planned to take place during the UAE innovation month 2018.

Laila Ali Bin Hareb Al Muhairi, assistant director general of strategy and international affairs said: “Innovation is occurring all around the world and the aviation industry is experiencing rapid development on a global scale. With the support of GCAA, the UAE aviation sector is considered a global leader in innovation and I am very much looking forward to watching the developments of the year ahead and the new concepts that will implemented in order to achieve future milestones.”