Malaysia Sets Sights on Advanced Air Mobility: ConOps to Launch by Early 2026

17 September 2025

PUTRAJAYA: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), in collaboration with Futurise Sdn Bhd, is accelerating Malaysia’s journey into the realm of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). This strategic initiative aims to position the nation as a regional leader in the low-altitude airspace economy, heralding a new era of innovative transport solutions such as electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).

A key milestone in this trajectory is the development of Malaysia’s AAM Concept of Operations (ConOps), scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026. This comprehensive framework will chart the course for safe and sustainable integration of AAM services into the national airspace.

In December 2024, CAAM appointed Futurise as the Secretariat for the Advanced Air Mobility Steering Committee (AAM-SC), recognising its expertise in regulatory sandboxes for emerging technologies including drones, autonomous vehicles, micromobility, and digital healthcare. Futurise will lead the creation of the ConOps, ensuring alignment with CAAM’s policy direction and contributing vital insights to Malaysia’s AAM roadmap, providing a clear and strategic pathway for the country’s participation in the low-altitude aviation sector.

The ConOps will serve as a dynamic, living document, guiding the safe rollout and expansion of AAM in Malaysia. It will delineate operational scenarios, stakeholder roles, airspace management, and regulatory requirements, facilitating a seamless transition from planning to real-world deployment. Malaysia’s approach will adhere to internationally recognised standards set by bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Throughout 2025, a series of workshops and industry consultations will gather input from government agencies, regulators, and industry players to shape this pivotal framework.

“From the ConOps, the regulatory sandbox will evolve from theoretical discussions into practical applications,” said Dato’ Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO of CAAM. “The sandbox offers a controlled environment for testing and innovation, enabling rapid development and safe deployment of AAM technologies based on the ConOps. This marks a major step forward in Malaysia’s active engagement with the global AAM landscape.”

Addressing misconceptions, Dato’ Captain Norazman clarified the distinction between drones and AAM, “While drones are classified as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and are regulated under existing civil aviation regulations, AAM covers a broader spectrum, including aircraft like eVTOLs that require new regulatory approaches. Futurise’s role as the AAM-SC secretariat is crucial in clarifying this grey area and ensuring AAM’s integration as a new aircraft segment with enhanced functionalities.”

CAAM, Malaysia’s national civil aviation regulator, is responsible for maintaining safety, security, and efficiency across the country’s aviation sector. Its remit includes overseeing flight safety, licensing of personnel, and managing air navigation and traffic services, all in accordance with ICAO standards. CAAM is committed to fostering a forward-looking, sustainable aviation ecosystem through regulatory excellence, innovation, and strategic collaboration.

Futurise, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cyberview Sdn Bhd under the Ministry of Finance, is tasked with managing Malaysia’s National Regulatory Sandbox. It provides policy advisory and acts as a catalyst for regulatory innovations designed to expedite technological advancement and future-proof Malaysia’s economy.