Insights from the latest ADW Industry Update - 'Collaboration will be the key to success'

The latest Industry Update from ADW brought together a diverse panel of experts, showcasing developments in air mobility across the globe. The session was moderated by Munish Khurana from EUROCONTROL, who set the stage by emphasizing the need for global collaboration in air mobility. "We want to listen to our panelists today about what is working well and where they are finding challenges," she said. The event highlighted progress in Japan, Europe, and the United States, presenting a multifaceted view of the current state of urban air mobility.

Junichi Sugihara, from PwC Consulting in Japan, provided an update on Japan’s air mobility initiatives, focusing on the unique challenges of the country’s geography. "Japan has 416 inhabited islands, and 70% of the national land is mountainous," Sugihara noted. He emphasized the need for alternative transport methods, especially for remote areas where traditional land transport is less feasible. These remote regions often face significant logistical hurdles that make reliable transportation challenging, particularly during adverse weather conditions or natural disasters. Drone deliveries are seen as a vital solution, especially given the ongoing truck driver shortages, which have made conventional logistics increasingly unreliable. Sugihara added, "The ability to deliver essential goods, such as medical supplies and food, to these isolated communities is crucial. We are also exploring the potential of drones to support emergency response operations, which can be life-saving in critical situations." He further elaborated that successful implementation would require more than just technological innovation. "To make these deliveries scalable, we must overcome challenges related to automation, autonomy, and regulatory compliance," he explained, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government bodies, technology providers, and local communities. He concluded by noting that public acceptance and awareness are also pivotal, as people need to trust these systems for them to be widely adopted.

Richard Hermans, strategic policy advisor for Innovative Aviation at the province of North Holland, provided insights from the European perspective. "We are integrating drones as part of our broader mobility system," Hermans said, noting that North Holland is working to include drone operations in its clean and smart mobility plans. He highlighted initiatives such as collaborations with California on urban mobility and emphasized the importance of regional airports for advancing innovative aviation concepts. "We want aviation, including drones, to contribute positively to issues like energy transition and mobility," he explained. Hermans also stressed the importance of cross-border collaboration within Europe, noting that cooperation with neighboring countries can help standardize regulations and promote shared best practices. He mentioned ongoing discussions with partners in Germany and Belgium to create a unified framework for drone operations, which he believes will facilitate smoother and safer integration of drones into the European airspace. Furthermore, Hermans pointed out that regional airports play a critical role not only in advancing innovative aviation but also in supporting local economies by providing infrastructure for testing and deployment. "We see these airports as innovation hubs where technology providers, regulators, and users can come together to drive forward new solutions," he added. He also touched on the role of public-private partnerships in accelerating these efforts, explaining that such collaborations are essential for pooling resources and sharing risks, ultimately leading to more rapid advancements in drone technology and applications.

Sebastian Babiarz, Co-president of the Global UTM Association (GUTMA) and Head of Airspace Innovation Europe at DroneUp, shared progress from the United States, specifically highlighting the innovative approach taken in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). "The DFW implementation aims to operationalize UTM services, allowing multiple drone service providers to share airspace effectively," Babiarz explained. He described the collaborative environment as "a step-by-step approach, focusing first on strategic deconfliction between operators to create a safer shared airspace." He also emphasized the open nature of the initiative, encouraging new members to join and contribute. Babiarz further elaborated on the technological advancements being tested in DFW, mentioning that the initiative utilizes cutting-edge communication protocols to ensure real-time data sharing between drone operators. "We are incorporating advanced data integration technologies to make sure that all stakeholders have a complete situational picture at any given moment," he said. This approach is intended to minimize risks and create a model that could be scaled globally. He highlighted the importance of collaboration not only among drone service providers but also with local authorities, technology partners, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has been instrumental in providing regulatory guidance. "The FAA's support has been crucial in making sure our efforts align with the broader goals of airspace safety and efficiency," Babiarz added. He also noted that DFW's model could serve as a blueprint for other metropolitan areas looking to implement urban air mobility solutions, emphasizing that scalability and adaptability are core components of the project. "By keeping the framework open and adaptable, we are setting the stage for broader adoption in other regions," Babiarz concluded.

Public acceptance

The discussion also touched upon the importance of public acceptance in all three regions. Sugihara mentioned that "seeing is believing" is key in Japan, where successful drone deliveries have garnered public support. In Europe, Hermans noted the role of Amsterdam Drone Lab in fostering public engagement by conducting demonstrations in urban areas, allowing people to see the benefits and understand the challenges. Babiarz, meanwhile, stressed the value of showcasing the practical benefits of drone services to help build acceptance.

The session concluded with a reflection on the different approaches taken in each region. Moderator Munish Khurana summarized, "It's fascinating to see how each region tailors its approach based on local needs, yet all share a commitment to advancing air mobility." Japan is focusing on rural and mountainous areas where drone deliveries offer significant value, Europe is integrating drones within its broader mobility framework, and the United States is taking a market-driven approach, focusing on step-by-step operationalization. As Babiarz noted, "Progress across the world may be fragmented, but what’s clear is that we are moving forward, and collaboration will be the key to success."