The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and Futurise Sdn Bhd are accelerating Malaysia’s entry into Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), targeting the launch of a Concept of Operations (ConOps) by the first quarter of 2026. This initiative is set to position Malaysia as a regional leader in the low-altitude airspace economy, introducing new transport solutions such as electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).
In December 2024, CAAM appointed Futurise as the Secretariat of the Advanced Air Mobility Steering Committee, leveraging its expertise in regulatory sandboxes for emerging technologies. Futurise will develop the ConOps document, aligning with CAAM’s policy direction and contributing to Malaysia’s AAM roadmap. The ConOps will outline operational scenarios, stakeholder roles, airspace usage, and regulatory requirements, facilitating the transition from conceptual frameworks to real-world deployment.
The ConOps will adhere to international regulatory frameworks, including those from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Workshops and industry engagements throughout 2025 will ensure comprehensive input from government, regulators, and the aviation industry.
Dato Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO of CAAM, highlighted the importance of distinguishing AAM from drones, stating, “Whilst drones are classified as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and are already regulated, AAM encompasses a broader class of aircraft such as eVTOLs that require a new regulatory approach.”
The regulatory sandbox will provide a controlled environment for testing and innovation, marking a significant step in Malaysia’s active participation in the global AAM landscape.
