Oman leaps into the advanced air mobility era

MUSCAT : The Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) and Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced a collaboration to drive innovation and cultivate talent for the emerging advanced air mobility industry in Oman.

The joint “Air Taxis and Advanced Air Mobility” initiative will leverage MCBS’ strong academic foundation and Boeing’s industry expertise to unleash the potential of this sector in Oman. The initiative will provide MCBS’ undergraduate aviation students, 76% of whom are women, with opportunities for cutting-edge research to spearhead advanced air mobility technologies. Additionally, students will participate in business challenges related to urban air mobility, and gain leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, stated: “Boeing has a longstanding commitment to Oman, and we are eager to support the evolution of advanced air mobility in the country. By leveraging our global expertise, we aim to foster innovation and empower the next generation of Omani talent. We look forward to supporting the students at MCBS as they explore the opportunities within this burgeoning sector.”
Dr. Muneer Al-Maskari, MCBS’ Executive Chair, said: “With the recent launch of the MCBS Innovation X Center, the collaboration with Boeing is a game-changer for our students. It offers them unparalleled opportunities to apply their learning and develop leadership skills needed to excel. We are thrilled to partner with Boeing, a company that shares our commitment to new technologies, youth engagement, and sustainability.”

Over 530 undergraduate Bachelor of Science students at MCBS will participate in the program in 2025.

The initiative encompasses curriculum enrichment, student projects, research and development, outreach and advocacy. Working together, MCBS and Boeing will integrate advanced air mobility into undergraduate aviation management and airport management programs at MCBS. Additionally, some students will take part in the Advanced Air Mobility Student Challenge. The research and development efforts will include establishing the Advanced Air Mobility Research Hub, focusing on uncrewed aircraft system traffic management, noise mitigation, and low-emissions technologies. MCBS with support from Boeing will also organize conferences, workshops, and campaigns to promote safe and sustainable air mobility solutions in Oman.