Advanced air mobility (AAM) is a groundbreaking form of air transportation. It uses remotely piloted, autonomous or vertical take-off and landing aircraft to transport people and goods in remote and often emergencies. And it holds the potential to reshape society’s movement and connectivity within and beyond cities.

In light of its importance, the Concordia Institute of Aerospace Design and Innovation (CIADI), in cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is hosting the university’s first symposium on AAM on April 15.

“This is a way to not only make students aware of advanced air mobility, why it’s important and what it’s all about, but also to make them passionate about it,” says Carole El Ayoubi, CIADI’s director of education.

Called Advanced Air Mobility Day, the student-centric event will bring together industry experts, academia and students to discuss the transformative impact of AAM on the future of transportation.

Panelists will include pioneers in the field of transportation technology, networking and urban planning. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights into the latest trends, breakthroughs and collaborative efforts shaping the future of transportation.

The event will also serve as a platform for students to network and for professionals, industry stakeholders and policymakers to build connections.

Capstone Competition winners revealed

“This event aims to foster dialogue on important topics such as sustainability, safety, regulation and public acceptance, ultimately driving progress in the field of AAM,” says Dunia Abboud, who’s in charge of advanced air mobility community management and outreach at the ICAO. Abboud will also be announcing the winners of the Student Capstone Project Competition.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase and witness the creativity and innovation of the next generation of aviation and advanced air mobility professionals. It’s thrilling to see what these talented individuals will bring to the table, further enriching the discussions and advancements in AAM.”

The competition will feature student teams who are working on drones as part of their Capstone Engineering Design project alongside students who bring a broader perspective to AAM from fields such as legal, economic, or other relevant areas. A panel of judges that includes professors, industry professionals and ICAO officials will evaluate the contributions and select the winning teams.

Winners will receive tickets to ICAO’s own first Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAM 2024), being held September 9 to 12 in Montreal. This symposium will offer unique opportunities for students from Concordia and other universities, including immersive experiences, networking and engaging discussions.