Airwayz has announced that they will collaborate with NLR – Netherlands Aerospace Center to support development of the European drone industry. This partnership will combine efforts to perform trials, research best practices, accelerate R&D, and respond to RFPs (Requests for Proposals). Taking NLR’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) expertise and pairing it with Airwayz’ dynamic Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) will create an excellent framework for U-Spaces. This supports accelerated roll-out across Europe and provides the potential to explore deeper into Urban Air Mobility (UAM) schemes.

NLR is a research center for the aerospace industry. The organization’s main effort is to solve global airspace issues. They play a vital role between science, industry, government, and society. Airwayz’ dynamic UTM/USSP software monitors and coordinates numerous fleets of drones in real-time. They utilize proprietary artificial intelligence to ensure safe and efficient commercial drone activity.

“The collaboration of Airwayz and NLR offers us the possibility to deliver a unique product for U-space Service Providers and Air Navigation Service Providers worldwide,” says Henk van Dijk, NLR Vice President Aerospace Operations. “At this moment many companies work hard on drone, U-space and UAM services offering an added value next to current ATM users. That means we need to prepare ourselves to facilitate the UTM, UAM and ATM users flying in the same airspace in a safe and efficient manner. Therefore, it’s good to know that NLR and Airwayz both have a lot of expertise and knowledge about this challenging concept. Next to this, the NARSIM facility – NLR’s Real-Time ATM simulator – provides an excellent way to develop, evaluate and validate this integration.”

Airwayz and NLR are currently cooperating on a few projects for Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs). Both Airwayz and NLR are active at the Port of Rotterdam. Airwayz spearheads the creation of a safe and efficient U-Space across the port for commercial drone services to flourish.

“We’re excited to announce the official signing of our collaboration with NLR today at Amsterdam Drone Week,” says Eyal Zor, CEO and Co-Founder of Airwayz. “We have many ground-breaking projects in the pipeline. Our partnership signifies the next level of airspace management; combining manned and unmanned traffic management and pursuing urban air mobility operations will revolutionize the industry and keep our airspaces safe across urban areas whilst they develop. The commercial potential will expand the capabilities of commercial drone services and drastically change how we all view our skies.”