Terra Drone Corporation, a Japanese leader in drone technology, along with partners Unifly NV of Belgium and Aloft Technologies Inc. of the United States, have announced a joint initiative to develop a unified UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system aimed at accelerating the deployment of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions globally. This collaboration, which represents a comprehensive partnership between major UTM technology providers, was unveiled at the XPONENTIAL 2024 expo in San Diego.
The joint venture focuses on integrating the unique capabilities of each company to create a robust UTM platform that supports both manned and unmanned air traffic. TerraDrone brings extensive experience in UTM operations and drone technology. Unifly, known for its success in implementing national-level UTM solutions in several countries, including Canada and Germany, contributes proven expertise in air traffic management. Aloft, with considerable UTM market share in the U.S., adds operational knowledge and market reach.
Together, these companies aim to tackle the challenges associated with the safe and efficient integration of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into crowded urban environments and diverse airspace systems. Their goal is to create a UTM system that enhances operational efficiencies and ensures safety across all aspects of AAM operations.
The partnership is poised to leverage advancements in eVTOL technology, which are expected to revolutionize urban transport by providing quicker and more efficient movement of goods and individuals, especially in densely populated areas. The Morgan Stanley research suggests that the Urban Air Mobility market could potentially grow to $1 trillion by 2040 and escalate to $9 trillion by 2050, highlighting the critical need for a comprehensive UTM system to support such growth.
The collaboration also seeks to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including eVTOL manufacturers, vertiport operators, aviation authorities, and urban planners, to create a holistic approach to airspace integration. This inclusive strategy aims to foster widespread adoption and implementation of UTM solutions across different regions and regulatory environments.
