On 16 June 2017, the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research Joint Undertaking, whose role is to develop the new generation European air traffic management system, has unveiled its blueprint to make drone use in low-level airspace safe, secure and environmentally friendly. The so-called “U-Space” covers altitudes of up to 150 metres and paves the way for the development of a strong and dynamic EU drone services market.

On the basis of the paper basic principles, the “U-Space” should be:

• safe (safety at low altitude levels will be just as good as that for traditional manned aviation);
• automated (the system will provide information for highly autonomous or automated drones to fly safely and avoid obstacles or collisions);
• up and running (by 2019 basic services like registration, e-identification and geo-fencing will have to be operational).

Drones can be used for delivering services in urban areas, collection of data, infrastructure inspections, precision agriculture, transportation and logistics. It is estimated that by 2015 the drone market will have a value of 10 billion euros.

Achieving this project and this ambitious aviation strategy requires an effective legislative framework that can foster European leadership and competitiveness. In the coming months, the European Parliament and the Council are expected to adopt new aviation safety rules. Furthermore, the European Commission will finance a range of drone projects, focusing on the integration of drones into the aviation system.

Davide Scavuzzo