GCAA, NYUAD launch research project to design holistic strategy to enhance liberalisation of Air Services Agreements

ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) announce the launch of a pioneering research project titled “Supporting the Design of a Holistic Strategy to Enhance the LiberaliSation of Air Services Agreements.”

This 18-month project, marks a significant collaboration between the GCAA, and The Center for Behavioral Institutional Design (C-BID) at NYUAD.

The initiative will leverage the expertise of renowned academics, alongside C-BID’s global network of collaborators, to develop innovative strategies that will enhance the UAE’s position in civil aviation globally.

The research will follow a structured approach to provide critical insights and practical mechanisms to advance the liberalisation of Air Services Agreements (ASAs).

It will include a survey of international practices in the allocation of ASA entitlements, the development of a comprehensive database of existing UAE air service entitlements, and the formulation of mechanisms to allocate new entitlements fairly and effectively.

Additionally, the partnership will work on creating an Air Transport Economics Policy in the civil aviation sector.

Director General of the GCAA, His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, emphasised the importance of the development of an Air Transport Economic policy given the importance of this sector in the UAE’s Strategy to support the expansion of its national carriers networks, this partnership will contribute to positioning the UAE as a global leader in civil aviation.

By drawing on the world-class research and expertise provided by NYUAD, the GCAA aims to develop strategies that will drive the liberalization of air services agreements, fostering growth and sustainability within the UAE’s aviation sector.

Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, Fabio Piano, said, "NYU Abu Dhabi is proud to contribute its cutting-edge market design expertise to this strategic partnership, which will help drive long-term growth for the UAE aviation industry through the creation of evidence-based policies."