ICAO calls for innovative solutions for drone airspace management (2020 ICAO DRONE ENABLE event to take place 9

Montréal, 25 February 2020 – Drone deliveries, drone inspections and even flying taxis are now near term realities for societies all over the world. As the development of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS traffic management (UTM) continues to advance, governments and operators need to focus on how the next evolution of aircraft, both manned and unmanned, can safely integrate into finite airspace.

Recognizing that an agreed global approach will greatly assist businesses and others in launching their UAS services without negatively impacting the safety of manned aviation operations, or the safety of persons and property on the ground, ICAO will be exploring these issues in depth at its fourth annual DRONE ENABLE event taking place this 9-11 September in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A key process informing DRONE ENABLE discussions is the issuance by ICAO of advance requests for information (RFIs).

Deadline for RFI submissions for the Fourth DRONE ENABLE is 17 April, and the main topic areas being targeted this year include:

- Unmanned aircraft (UA) performance requirements in a UTM environment.
- UTM system certification.
- UTM integration into airport environments and activities.

All RFI responses will be evaluated by a group of international experts, and those responsible for the best submissions will have the opportunity to present at this year’s DRONE ENABLE event in Rio.

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About ICAO

A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 193 Member States.

ICAO's UAS initiatives

Contacts

Anthony Philbin
Chief, Communications
aphilbin@icao.int
+1 514-954-8220
+1 438-402-8886 (mobile)
Twitter: @ICAO

William Raillant-Clark
Communications Officer
wraillantclark@icao.int
+1 514-954-6705
+1 514-409-0705 (mobile)
Twitter: @wraillantclark
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raillantclark/