Since formation of the Global UTM Association in 2016, public & private investment has changed and views on technological feasibility, standards development, rulemaking and market conditions have completely altered, says the association. In response, GUTMA 2.0 has set out a clear vision for the next five years.
The term “UTM” also has been subject to intense discussion. It evolved from the NASA coined “Unmanned Traffic Management” concept to suggestions such as “Unified” or “Universal” Traffic Management. GUTMA has followed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is adopting “Uncrewed” Traffic Management.
GUTMA 2.0 mission statement:
GUTMA represents organizations involved in innovative drone services and smart mobility solutions enabled by services that keep drone operations at all altitudes safe and efficient. It engages in impactful research and development and in technical, regulatory and political processes to foster a global ecosystem in a fair global drone services market.
GUTMA expects a massive drone ecosystem to emerge. More and more companies are expected to integrate drones and drone services into their value chains. Farmers can monitor crop growth, construction companies can monitor site progress, and logistics companies can use drones for last mile deliveries.
This drone ecosystem will only thrive if drones can fly automatically over longer distances. And it is important to appreciate that UTM is a critical enabler for the safe and efficient operation of these drones at scale.
GUTMA is the global association open to both private and public organizations, including regulators, that are involved in UTM and drone activities. GUTMA expects that this ecosystem of companies in the global drone services market will add real value to society and global economies. Companies thrive best if they can choose their drone operators and UTM providers. GUTMA supports a federated system for UTM services and fair UTM and drone services markets.
GUTMA will identify the processes that contribute to its objectives and will cooperate in impactful research and development, technical, regulatory and political processes in a constructive and authoritative way.
Background
The basis for safe drone activities remains a digital and automated traffic management system. Digitalization will automate the traffic management and piloting functions. Automation will drive costs down and lower costs will boost the integration of drone services in the value chain of many industries. GUTMA promotes cost effective drone and UTM services in fair and competitive markets.
UTM services will enable drone operations at all altitudes, from very low to very high. More advanced UTM services will be required in certain areas. For example urban air mobility that enables the most efficient movement of passengers and cargo in smart cities or regions. Around smart cities, the borders between airspace and city management will overlap as aviation and terrestrial mobility become more connected. Mobility is offered as a single service, and the UTM system will gradually expand to manage more aircraft types at different altitudes.
For more information visit:
www.gutma.org
