RELEASE: Terra Drone, Unifly and Aloft launch UTM development for AAM aimed at global markets

(Information sent by the signatory company)

TOKYO, April 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Terra Drone Corporation, a leading provider of advanced aerial mobility (AAM) and drone technology based in Japan, today announced the launch of a joint development with its group companies Unifly NV ("Unifly") and Aloft Technologies Inc. ("Aloft") focused on UAS Traffic Management (UTM) for AAM targeting global markets. Terra Drone has advanced its pioneering UTM business through strategic investments in Unifly, a leading provider of UTM technology based in Belgium, and Aloft, which has the largest UTM market share in the US. This collaboration marks the first joint development of UTM in the world for AAM by several companies with extensive experience in UTM implementation and operation.

The three companies are pursuing joint development of UTM to capitalize on rapid global progress in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which will revolutionize transportation. Morgan Stanley forecasts the urban air mobility (UAM) market will reach $1 trillion by 2040 and $9 trillion by 2050 (1), with eVTOLs gaining global recognition through test flights and prototype displays.

Companies are proudly announcing initiatives to improve their existing UTM platforms in anticipation of increased eVTOL aircraft and drone activities. The shared vision for the UTM platform is to enable safe and efficient flight operations for eVTOL and drones for the foreseeable future.

Recognizing the changing needs of the AAM industry, they are dedicated to expanding their platform by incorporating additional crucial features. These improvements, designed with automation at the core, aim to optimize operational efficiency and pave the way for the integration of its increasingly automated UTM technology into the design and operational framework of AAMs. Through these efforts, it aims to set new standards in UTM and facilitate the seamless integration of eVTOL and drones into the national airspace, strengthening the potential of the AAM industry.

Through this initiative, it aims to build a global UTM infrastructure that drives the AAM industry around the world, creating a cohesive ecosystem that supports AAM growth and addresses broader urban mobility, sustainability and air traffic safety challenges.

Notes to the editor:

1. Morgan Stanley research in a report titled “eVTOL/Urban Air Mobility TAM Update: A slow takeoff, but the sky is the limit” https://advisor.morganstanley.com/the-busot-group/documents/field/ b/bu/busot-group/Electric Vehicles.pdf]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2396553...Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2186129...

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/terra-drone-unifly-y-aloft-lanzan-desarrollo-utm-para-aam-dirigido-a-mercados-globales-302126525.html