TOKYO -- Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company Terra Drone Corporation has joined forces with its subsidiaries Unifly NV and Aloft Technologies Inc. to develop a global UTM (Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management) system specifically for AAM aircraft.
Terra Drone has been a forerunner in the UTM space, strategically acquiring expertise through investments in Unifly, a Belgian UTM technology leader, and Aloft, the top UTM player in the US.
This collaboration aims to capitalize on the booming electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) market, poised to revolutionize transportation. Research by Morgan Stanley suggests the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market will reach $1 trillion by 2040, growing to $9 trillion by 2050.
The companies are prepping their existing UTM platforms for the surge in eVTOL and drone activity. They're working on improvements to enable safe and efficient flights for both types of aircraft. Automation is a key focus, with features like advanced flight planning and NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) parsing already available. These functionalities demonstrate their commitment to supporting the AAM industry.
Looking ahead, they plan to further develop their platforms with features specifically tailored for AAMs. Automation will remain central, aiming to streamline operations and integrate seamlessly with increasingly sophisticated AAM technology. Ultimately, they want to set new UTM standards and pave the way for smooth eVTOL and drone integration into national airspace, unlocking the full potential of AAM.
To achieve their vision, Terra Drone, Unifly, and Aloft are extending their reach by collaborating with a diverse group of partners. This includes eVTOL manufacturers, eVTOL operators, vertiport operators, aviation authorities, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), urban planners to seamlessly integrate AAM into city infrastructures, and educational institutions for research and development.