Muscat, November 3, 2025 — Oman is poised to become the world’s leading hub for advanced air mobility (AAM) as it prepares to host the Oman Operational Launch Programme (OLP) — the most comprehensive evaluation initiative of its kind globally. The project, led by US aerospace company Odys Aviation, will test and validate the firm’s cutting-edge Laila aircraft, a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle with a range of 725 km.
The OLP agreement was formalized between Odys Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT). The programme will officially begin in early 2026, positioning Oman at the forefront of next-generation aviation innovation.
A Testbed for the Future of Aviation
Odys Aviation highlighted Oman’s diverse geography, open airspace, and challenging environmental conditions as ideal for realistic end-to-end testing of AAM technologies across civil, commercial, and defence sectors.
“With the OLP’s kickoff in early 2026, Oman will become the world’s leading hub for advanced long-range air mobility — a place where aviation’s future is not only imagined or talked about, but proven,” said Odys Aviation.
The company added that the Oman OLP would serve as a globally replicable model for other early-adopter nations, accelerating the deployment of AAM systems worldwide.
Comprehensive Testing Across Sectors
The evaluation will encompass multiple mission profiles — including oil and gas logistics, medical transport, infrastructure monitoring, and maritime surveillance — while also testing new Ground Control Stations developed jointly with Honeywell Aerospace.
Every aspect of the regulatory, operational, and technological ecosystem underpinning autonomous air mobility will be rigorously tested, helping Oman establish itself as a benchmark for safe and scalable AAM operations.
Vision-Aligned Innovation
Odys Aviation credited Oman’s government and the CAA for their forward-thinking regulatory approach, emphasizing safety and innovation as complementary forces. The initiative aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040, advancing the country’s goals of low-carbon transport, connectivity enhancement, and high-value employment in advanced industries.
From the Al Hajar Mountains to Dhofar’s desert landscapes and the Arabian Sea’s offshore oil fields, Oman’s geography offers a unique real-world environment for next-generation aviation — setting the stage for the nation to emerge as a global leader in advanced air mobility.
