Kuala lumpur: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), in collaboration with Futurise Sdn Bhd, is on course to introduce the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Concept of Operations (ConOps) by the first quarter of 2026. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating Malaysia into the advanced air mobility sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is propelling Malaysia into the era of AAM, with the aim of establishing the country as a leader in the low-altitude airspace economy. The development of AAM will facilitate new transportation solutions, including electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).
In December 2024, CAAM appointed Futurise as the Secretariat of the Advanced Air Mobility Steering Committee (AAM-SC). Futurise brings its expertise in regulatory sandboxes for emerging technologies, such as drone technology and autonomous vehicles, to the table.
Futurise is tasked with overseeing the regulatory sandbox and spearheading the development of the ConOps document. This document will align with CAAM's policy direction and contribute to the AAM roadmap, ensuring a strategic pathway for Malaysia's integration into the low-altitude aviation economy.
The ConOps will act as a strategic guide for the safe introduction and growth of AAM services in Malaysia. It will outline operational scenarios, stakeholder roles, airspace usage, and regulatory requirements, bridging the gap between conceptual frameworks and real-world deployment.
Malaysia's ConOps will adhere to international regulatory frameworks set by bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
CAAM's chief executive officer, Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud, highlighted that the regulatory sandbox would facilitate the transition of AAM from conceptual discussions to practical applications. It will provide a controlled environment for testing and innovation, enabling the rapid development and safe deployment of AAM technologies.
He also addressed the challenges in advancing Malaysia's AAM ecosystem, particularly the common misconception equating drones with AAM. While drones are classified as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and are regulated under existing aviation directives, AAM includes a broader class of aircraft that necessitate a new regulatory approach.
Futurise's role as the AAM-SC secretariat includes clarifying the distinction and resolving the grey areas within this new aircraft segment, which boasts enhanced functionalities.