The Xponential 2024 show in San Diego, Calif. recently saw the announcement of a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at addressing the increasing number of low-flying manned and unmanned aircraft. Japan-based Terra Drone Corporation, along with two affiliate companies, Unifly NV and Aloft Technologies Inc., revealed plans to create a global air traffic control system for drones and eVTOL aircraft. This system, known as a UTM, is essential to manage the growing number of aircraft in the lower altitudes, a market predicted to reach $2.3 trillion by 2050.
The collaboration between Terra Drone, Unifly, and Aloft aims to enhance and strengthen the UTM system to ensure the safe integration of drones, eVTOLs, and air taxis into existing airspace. This partnership marks the first time multiple companies have come together to work towards a common vision for a global UTM. The expected growth in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, coupled with technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and operational concerns, highlights the urgent need for an effective UTM system.
Unifly, one of the affiliate companies involved in the collaboration, has been a pioneer in UTM technology since 2012. With a background in air traffic control, Unifly has been developing and deploying UTM technology globally to support the growth of the drone market. The company’s focus has now expanded to include Advanced Air Mobility, with a commitment to ensuring the safe and efficient integration of eVTOLs into existing airspace.
Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, has also made significant strides in the development of UTM systems through its AAM unit established in 2017. In a report published last October, Airbus acknowledged the importance of harmonizing UTM standards on a global scale to facilitate the integration of eVTOLs into existing airspace. The development of a global UTM system will be crucial in managing aircraft operating at both high and low altitudes and ensuring safety and efficiency in urban environments.
The creation of a global UTM system is imperative as plans for AAM flights during international events like the Olympic Games in Paris and Los Angeles are on the horizon. While developing a comprehensive UTM system will take time due to legal and technological challenges, the collaboration between Terra Drone, Aloft, and Unifly aims to expedite the process. By combining regulatory oversight with operational expertise, the partners believe they can enhance safety, service levels, and technological innovation in airspace management.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Terra Drone, Aloft, and Unifly represents a significant step towards the development of a global UTM system for managing advanced air mobility traffic. With the growing demand for low-altitude aircraft, a robust UTM system will be essential to ensure the safe and efficient integration of drones, eVTOLs, and air taxis into existing airspace. By working together with government and industry stakeholders, the partners hope to accelerate the timeline for implementing a global UTM system and pave the way for a future where advanced air mobility is a reality.
