Collaboration on Advanced Air Mobility with McGill-IASL
Presentation of the Letter of Engagement (LoE) at the DLR site in Cologne: The DLR Institute of Air Transport and the Institute of Air and Space Law (IASL) at McGill University in Montreal are initiating an interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The aim is to jointly research the legal, technological and societal aspects of future air transport systems and to incorporate them into the design and evaluation of sustainable mobility solutions. Pictured from left to right: Tim Alers (DLR Programme Directorates for Aviation), Dr. Florian Linke (Acting Director, DLR Institute of Air Transport), Stefan-Michael Wedenig (Executive Director, McGill-IASL), Lukas Asmer and Alexandra Leipold (DLR Institute of Air Transport)
- Research agreement between DLR and McGill University
- Focus on Advanced Air Mobility & international legal issues
- Goal: Future-proof, sustainable air transport solutions
Research Meets Law: International Collaboration for Innovative Air Mobility
In April 2025, a Letter of Engagement (LoE) for a scientific collaboration between the DLR Institute of Air Transport and the Institute of Air and Space Law (IASL) at the renowned McGill University was signed at the DLR site in Cologne. The collaboration aims for interdisciplinary cooperation in the research fields of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) as well as Innovative Air Mobility (IAM).
AAM at the Intersection of Law, Technology, and Society
The DLR Institute of Air Transport pursues a systemic approach to analysing and designing future air transport systems. This collaboration strengthens the exchange between technical and legal sciences—with the goal of holistically considering legal, economic, and technological innovations in the areas of AAM and IAM and analysing their impacts on society, the environment, and transport services.
The scientific collaboration with IASL focuses on joint research into regulatory frameworks, innovation potentials, and societal acceptance. New forms of mobility will also be assessed for their sustainability and future viability.
McGill-IASL: Global Expertise in Air and Space Law
The Institute of Air and Space Law (IASL) at McGill University in Montreal is among the world's leading institutions in the field of international air and space law. It was established in 1951 following international efforts to create a harmonised regulatory framework for civil aviation through ICAO.
Over the past seven decades, IASL has educated more than 1,200 legal professionals from over 120 countries. Alumni of the institute now hold leading positions in international organisations, aviation ministries, airlines, and law firms worldwide. IASL brings this global perspective into its joint research with DLR—with the aim of responsibly and proactively shaping the future of air mobility.
