EU Launches Drone Network

EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc has launched the European network for drone demonstration projects.

The network will become a forum to share knowledge on how to keep drone operations safe, secure and green.

It will focus on the so-called U-space: a system that connects all drones flying in the air and that makes all drones visible for authorities and citizens.

Violeta Bulc said: "Drones are a key part of the future of aviation and will become part of our daily lives.

“All players can mutually learn and exchange practical expertise to keep drone operations safe, secure and clean. That exactly is the purpose of this EU wide network."

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Already today drone and U-space projects deliver concrete results on how to fly drones safely and how the developing U-space system can become more reliably robust.

Yet these U-space projects are only sustainable and will only attract additional investment if the found solutions are compatible with the European framework.

That is why the Commission has taken the initiative to establish a European Network of U-space Demonstrators to support these projects.

A support cell to the network will bundle the regulatory and safety competence of the European Aviation Safety Agency, the R&D management expertise of the SESAR Joint Undertaking and the technical and operational air traffic management expertise of EUROCONTROL.

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These organisations will work closely together to develop concrete material to support these projects and the authorities that will have to approve the drone operations.

The network will focus specifically on projects with a clear business case that build on mature technologies, but need some further operational and regulatory demonstrations before starting commercial operations.

The network would also support the competent authorities in processing the numerous applications that can be expected once commercial businesses will be started.

The launch event was hosted by the Port Authority of Antwerp, the Belgian air navigation service provider Belgocontrol, and the U-space technology provider Unifly – all three also being part of the network.

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