The Uk Government has published a Drone Ambition Statement that has been produced in collaboration with the Drone Industry Action Group, outlining how the UK will embed a business environment that supports the development of drone technologies and can deliver 650,000 jobs in the sector by 2030. This will be achieved through government investments like those made today through the Future Flight Challenge, effective regulation, a consultation on enabling 5G connected drones for commercial use and improving public communications to underline the potential benefits of commercial drones.
The statement underlines the huge potential for drones, which PWC recently estimated could be worth £45 billion to the UK economy by 2030: see Skies without Limits 2.0. It sets out a range of examples of how drones are already being effectively deployed and outlines how key enablers in technology, regulation, funding, business support and public perception will be realised. The document targets potential users of commercial drone solutions and aims to inspire new investment into the sector and more widespread end-user uptake of UK commercial drone capabilities.
The statement aligns with wider future of flight and transport ambitions, benefiting from increased electrification and automation. It does not forecast their potential to carry passengers or consider counter-drone technologies.
The Drone Ambition Statement outlines the following core components for delivery of a successful sector, including:
- government’s Future of Flight Plan and Future of Flight Industry Group in developing a pathway to new uses and users of aviation and airspace
- funding to ensure the UK supports and builds on the best of British drone technology, including through the Future Flight challenge, investing in and demonstrating new operating models and developing new frameworks to enable drone capabilities to thrive
- implementation of sector-specific skills and CPD programmes to support effective end-user drone adoption and integration
- supporting drone innovators in their ambitions to start-up and grow their businesses in the UK, and convening the Drone Industry Action Group to support collaboration between government and the drone community
- wider regulatory support to enable routine drone operations, including a well-resourced CAA and refreshed Airspace Modernisation Strategy, and an Ofcom consultation to deliver robust drone communications and connectivity aiming to enable 4G and, in time, 5G for commercial use
- active public outreach and communications underlining the positive potential uses for and benefits of commercial drones
The full 52-page statement can be accessed here.
Image: Government support for drone technology
Source: UK Government Press Release