A groundbreaking collaboration was announced at the Xponential 2024 show in San Diego, California, aiming to address the increasing number of low-flying manned and unmanned aircraft in the skies. Japan-based Terra Drone Corporation and its affiliated companies Unifly and Aloft Technologies revealed plans to create a global air traffic control system for drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This system, known as a UTM (unmanned aircraft system traffic management), is essential for managing the growing number of low-altitude aircraft, such as drones, eVTOLs, and air taxis.
The collaboration between Terra Drone, Unifly, and Aloft marks the first time multiple companies are working together to develop a UTM system. This combined effort is crucial as the number of low-altitude aircraft continues to rise, occupying altitudes far below commercial aircraft. The global UTM system is expected to play a key role in the future of advanced air mobility (AAM) as predicted by a 2021 report by Morgan Stanley. The report forecasts steady growth in the AAM industry, with the global market reaching $2.3 trillion by 2050.
As the AAM industry grows, there are concerns regarding technical challenges, regulatory hurdles, and operational issues related to integrating AAM into existing airspace. Aloft founder and CEO Jon Hegranes emphasizes the importance of proactive collaboration among industry stakeholders, regulators, and communities to manage these risks effectively. Unifly, an early UTM pioneer according to its CEO Andres Van Swalm, has been dedicated to developing and deploying UTM technology globally since its inception in 2015. The focus is now shifting towards ensuring the safe and efficient integration of eVTOLs into existing airspace.
Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, has also been actively involved in the development of UTM systems for AAM. The company established an AAM unit in 2017 and has been working towards harmonizing UTM standards globally. In a report published last October, Airbus highlighted the need for collaboration between regulatory bodies and private enterprises to enhance safety, service levels, and innovation in airspace management. As the industry prepares for AAM flights during the upcoming Olympic games in Paris and Los Angeles, there is a pressing need for a global UTM system to manage advanced air mobility traffic efficiently.
Despite the urgency to implement a global UTM system, Terra Drone’s Executive Officer Yuki Ueno acknowledges that it will take time to develop the necessary legal framework and technological capabilities. Ueno emphasizes the importance of ensuring the system can handle all traffic in a safe and efficient manner before implementation. The collaboration between Terra Drone, Aloft, and Unifly aims to accelerate the timeline for the development of a global UTM system to meet the growing demands of the AAM industry. With a shared vision and commitment to innovation, these companies are paving the way for a future where advanced air mobility is seamlessly integrated into existing airspace.
