Oro Navigacija invests 2.5 million EUR so that drone pilots can use the airspace easier

 

Implementing the provisions of European Union (EU) unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) regulations, the main air navigation service provider in Lithuania company Oro Navigacija invests 2.5 million EUR into solutions that will enable drone pilots to use the airspace in simplified manner.

Oro Navigacija signed a contract with Austrian company Frequentis for joint introduction of U-Space service provision system in Lithuania. Using mobile application, the drone pilots will be provided general information, flight approval, air traffic information and other services. “The number of unmanned aircraft in the airspace is increasing and this phenomenon will retain the same tendency of growth as the drones are becoming more popular not only among the amateurs, more and more often they become a significant tool for industry and emergency services.

“The number of unmanned aircraft in the airspace is increasing and this phenomenon will retain the same tendency of growth as the drones are becoming more popular not only among the amateurs, more and more often they become a significant tool for industry and emergency services. Due to the increased number of drones, it is important to have a system providing real-time airspace monitoring, reception of information about unmanned aircraft flights and their management by approving and granting flight permits. The new system shall facilitate airspace usage for the drone pilots and ensuring safety for our company”, claimed the Chief Executive Officer of Oro Navigacija Saulius Batavičius.

The new unmanned aircraft management system will allow assessing weather conditions, observing other airspace users at real-time, reserving the flight area under priority principle, decreasing potential negative impact on the environment and privacy.

“While introducing unified unmanned aircraft management system, Oro Navigacija will cooperate with Transport Competence Agency, therefore, it will be easier to issue all necessary permits for drone pilots when planning the flight”, stated Saulius Batavičius.

Unified unmanned aircraft management system will allow integrating other interested parties as well, including emergency services, commercial companies and public institutions, which may find drone traffic information of relevance as well.

The value of the agreements signed with Austrian company Frequentis amounts to 2.5 million EUR not including value added tax (VAT).

It is expected that U-Space service system will be introduced and tested by summer 2024, respectfully, drone pilots in Lithuania will start using it. Taking into consideration the provisions of EU regulations and the Law on Aviation, Oro Navigacija intends to become the sole general information service provider in Lithuania.  

Updated at: 2023-06-06 09:57:06

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