Skye Air and the Government of Himachal Pradesh Collaborate to Deploy Statewide Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) System
Skye Air, India’s leading SaaS-based autonomous drone logistics provider has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Himachal Pradesh to implement Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) throughout the state. This MoU represents a significant milestone in enhancing the safety and efficiency of unmanned aerial operations in Himachal Pradesh.
Being the only indigenous UTM system in India, Skye UTM offers automated airspace traffic management, facilitating approvals and coordinating drone movements without the need for manual intervention. It serves as a foundation for the development of advanced air traffic management systems, ensuring safety and security within the rapidly expanding drone industry.
Himachal Pradesh, known for its thriving agricultural, hydroelectric power, cement, and tourism sectors, has a critical requirement for drones across various applications. The state’s mountainous terrain and limited road network during the monsoon and winter seasons create an opportunity for establishing aerial trade routes, including drone transportation. With the increasing activity in the state’s airspace, factors such as weather and terrain make the deployment of the UTM system critical for managing airspace and ensuring the safety of all air traffic.
The partnership between Skye Air and the Government of Himachal Pradesh encompasses two main objectives. Firstly, Skye Air will deploy a state-wide Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solution, which includes establishing a UTM dashboard for all stakeholders, onboarding eligible pilots, and providing training on the UTM platform. Secondly, the Government of Himachal Pradesh will extend support, data, and information necessary for the seamless operation of the project. They will ensure the integration of all pilots and state-owned drones into the UTM system, enabling tracking of drone flight operations for internal security and maintaining law and order.
Ankit Kumar, CEO of Skye Air, expressed that Skye UTM, being India’s only indigenous unmanned traffic management system will revolutionize drone operations in the country’s airspace. The advanced capabilities and real-time tracking provided by Skye UTM will enhance navigation, risk assessment, and connectivity for all drone operators. This partnership with the Government of Himachal Pradesh aligns with Skye Air’s vision of developing a robust and secure drone ecosystem.
The deployment of the Skye UTM system will significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of unmanned aerial operations in Himachal Pradesh. This cloud-based UTM platform connects and communicates with various types of drones, ensuring the tracking and organization of drone traffic to establish a safe airspace. It offers a comprehensive view of the drone airspace, real-time UAV movements, and verified paths. With over 1000 successful drone flights already supported, the UTM system provides better navigation, risk assessment, and traffic management for drone operators.
The UTM system brings benefits to both drone operators and the general public by offering real-time, low-latency infrastructure for tracking and predicting drone movements. It captures over 255 parameters of drone flights and provides a systematic description of each flight in its ‘Backbox.’ Additionally, the UTM system integrates with manned aviation, such as helicopters and planes, ensuring well-managed and coordinated airspace. The Skye UTM system supports various drone applications, including delivery services, agriculture, and surveillance. It accommodates all drone activities, both recreational and professional, requiring pilots to register and utilize maps to optimize their use of the UTM platform and comply with prevailing regulations. To facilitate successful implementation and usage of the UTM system, Skye Air will conduct workshops to educate local stakeholders, including drone operators and authorities, on the benefits and usage of the UTM system. These workshops will provide hands-on training and updates on the platform, equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate within the UTM framework.
The implementation of the UTM system in Himachal Pradesh will follow a phased approach. Phase I includes the integration of government-registered drones, pilot training, and open registration for private drones in the Shimla district. Phase II expands to larger areas, integrating manned traffic from airports and helipads with UTM. Phase III focuses on implementing UTM in remaining districts based on priority and departmental requirements, ensuring a systematic and efficient deployment across the state.
The deployment of the UTM system in Himachal Pradesh holds significant potential for economic and social impacts. Aerial trade routes facilitated by drones will contribute to the growth of various industries, including healthcare supplies, agri-commodities, groceries, and managing deliveries during disaster situations. The widespread adoption of drones across different sectors will create new opportunities, boost efficiency, and indirectly benefit the economy. This collaboration between Skye Air and the Government of Himachal Pradesh aligns with the broader framework of technological advancements and regulatory developments in the drone industry, both at the national and international levels. As the need for security and surveillance in the drone industry continues to grow, the adoption of UTM systems becomes crucial. The successful implementation of the UTM system in Himachal Pradesh will serve as a foundation for its nationwide adoption, ensuring security, surveillance, and efficient traffic management
