By XU Nuo | AOPA-China | 2024-9-14

Montreal, September 14, 2024 — From September 9 to 12, 2024, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) hosted its first-ever Global Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium at its headquarters in Montréal, marking a major milestone in global aviation governance and sustainable development. The event, themed “Advanced Air Mobility Global Harmonization: Challenges and Opportunities”, brought together over 1,400 participants from 75 countries, including representatives from governments, industry, academia, and international organizations.

ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano delivers remarks at the opening ceremony.

Held in conjunction with ICAO’s 80th anniversary, the symposium highlighted ICAO’s central role as a UN specialized agency in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Participants engaged in keynote speeches, expert panels, and six thematic workshops focused on critical AAM topics such as automation, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, certification, airspace integration, and vertiport development.

A vibrant and engaging atmosphere in the main conference hall.

The symposium underscored ICAO’s "No Country Left Behind" initiative by including perspectives from both advanced and developing countries. Notable contributors included civil aviation authorities from the U.S., EU, UAE, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, and South Africa, as well as international organizations like the UN Department of Operational Support (UNDOS), World Economic Forum (WEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP).

As an affiliate of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA), which holds observer status at ICAO and consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), AOPA-China actively participated in the event. AOPA-China remains committed to promoting the SDGs through the development of general aviation and AAM in China. The association exchanged insights with global stakeholders on challenges such as pilot training, certification, infrastructure planning, and equitable access to air mobility.

(Image Source: ICAO)

A key highlight was the presence of leading eVTOL manufacturers, including Joby, Archer, Volocopter, and China’s EHang, whose EH216 aircraft attracted considerable attention on display. The symposium reaffirmed global interest in AAM as a transformative force for the aviation sector, and a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced transportation systems.

AOPA-China Deputy Secretary General Angela Guo and AOPA-US Head of Flight Operations seated together inside the EHang eVTOL

AOPA-China will continue to support ICAO’s initiatives and foster international collaboration to build a safe, green, and people-centered AAM ecosystem aligned with global sustainable development priorities.