Drone pilots wishing to fly within the flight restriction zone surrounding Southampton Airport can now request access online or through the Altitude Angel Drone Assist app, streamlining a process that previously could take up to two weeks. The newly deployed digital service allows for approvals to be granted within minutes, offering significant efficiency improvements for drone operators.
The initiative follows the successful deployment of the Approval Services platform at Aberdeen International Airport in late September. According to NATS Services, the system is a crucial step toward creating an integrated airspace where drones can safely operate alongside traditional aircraft.
Richard Ellis, New Airspace Users Director at NATS Services, described the move as part of a broader strategy to support the growing UK drone industry:
“We want to support the growth of the UK drone industry, and this second deployment is part of our plan to deliver an ecosystem that can deliver certainty for drone operators,” he explained. “Deploying a digital flight approval service allows us to do just that, while ensuring our controllers maintain conocimiento de la situación of what is operating in the airspace around them.”
Southampton Airport has welcomed the innovation, with its Managing Director Gavin Williams emphasising the benefits for safety and operations:
“We welcome this new innovative digital drone flight approval service streamlining the operation and enhancing the safety for our air traffic control partners, NATS,” Williams said.
Chris Forster, Chief Operating Officer at Ángel de las alturas, the company providing the digital platform, added:
“It’s exciting to see Southampton Airport come online with the Approval Services platform. As more airports are added to the network, we’re able to provide safe and seamless access to more airspace, enabling more businesses and public services to benefit from drone operations.”
The Approval Services platform is primarily targeted at commercial drone pilots, offering them fast and reliable access to restricted airspace. A separate, free service remains available for non-commercial pilots, though they may still experience wait times of up to 14 days for approval.
NATS Services plans to continue rolling out the system to other UK airports in the coming months, further expanding access to controlled airspace for drone users.
Post Image Credit: Southampton Airport
