HEXA demo flight ushers in new era of sustainable air mobility in the UAE
February 18, 2025
LIFT Aircraft Middle East and Advanced Mobility Hub marked a milestone in the pursuit of sustainable air transport at the 4th ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS), held in Abu Dhabi last week. The event featured a groundbreaking live demonstration of the HEXA electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, alongside the launch of LIFT Middle East, marking a new chapter in the region’s air mobility development.
Conducted under the supervision of the Smart Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the demonstration flight took place on Wednesday 12 February. It saw the HEXA light sport aircraft take off from the grounds of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi before flying over the beach and returning to land. Lasting around five minutes, the flight captivated the audience, which included government ministers from around the world, who were participating in ICAO’s GISS.
The flight underscored the growing importance of integrating advanced air mobility solutions into the region’s transportation infrastructure. It also showcased HEXA’s state-of-the-art features, including a three-axis joystick, three-axis autopilot system and an all-electric propulsion mechanism, all designed to revolutionise personal air mobility through safe, easy-to-use, emission free flight.
His excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), emphasised the importance of hands-on experience in understanding electric light sport aircraft operations. He highlighted that the demonstration flight in Abu Dhabi marked a continuation of the various trials conducted by the UAE and ongoing efforts to regulate this vital sector and transition it into the commercial operation phase. Al Suwaidi further reaffirmed the GCAA’s commitment to regulating this emerging sector according to the highest safety standards, ensuring its safe integration with other aviation operators.
Setting new industry standards and positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a leader in the global aviation industry, Advanced Mobility Hub, a member of Multi Level Group (MLG), in strategic partnership with LIFT Aircraft Middle East, have also made a groundbreaking step in the future of air mobility with the launch of LIFT Middle East in Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to assemble and manufacture light sports aircraft in the UAE to the Middle East, making the region a global hub for advanced aerospace technology.
The project is being implemented with the support of the Smart Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), with the aim of strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global destination for the development and use of smart and autonomous systems.
Mohamed Salah, CEO of Multi Level Group (MLG), said: “This strategic partnership with LIFT Aircraft Middle East and Africa is more than just delivering cutting-edge aviation technology; it is a transformational step towards strengthening the position of Abu Dhabi and the UAE and establishing LIFT Middle East as a regional manufacturing and local assembly centre, reinforcing the UAE’s vision for technological leadership and innovation. The AeroX Light Sport Aviation Club project will further enhance this vision, offering aviation enthusiasts a unique experience in the future of aviation. These projects are in line with the UAE’s commitment to drive new economic growth, foster innovation, and shape the future of air mobility on a global scale.”
Matt Chasen, CEO of LIFT Aircraft, added: “Our expansion into the Middle East and Africa region from Abu Dhabi and the UAE through this strategic partnership with Advanced Mobility Hub member of Multi Level Group, marks a milestone for the future of lightweight personal air mobility. Through LIFT Middle East, we are building a foundation for local manufacturing, technological advancement and widespread adoption of lightweight personal aviation solutions. The AeroX Light Sports Club project will open up a new world of possibilities, allowing aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike to experience the future of aviation in a safe, innovative and accessible way.”
