There are currently 415,000 drones in Germany. With around 360,000 drones, most are used privately. However, this proportion has been declining for several years. In contrast, the use of drones in the commercial sector has almost tripled since 2019 and increased by 197 percent to around 56,000 drones.
This development will continue in the years to come. The study predicts that the total number will remain the same, with drones growing in the commercial sector to 80,000 drones in 2030.
“We are very pleased that more and more companies in the drone economy are recognizing the benefits of drones, manufacturing them, using them and other investors find,”
Michael Garvens, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Unmanned Aviation Association (VUL), assesses the result.
Large investments in the drone market promote growth
The growth in the area of commercial use is also due to the high investments in drone companies: In the past ten years, around 124 million euros have been invested in these companies, 93 percent of this sum the drone companies received in the past two years alone. On average, these companies in Germany are eight years old and employ around 20 people.
German air taxi market will grow strongly in the coming years
The air taxi market is less developed in Germany. But here, too, the analysis predicts strong growth for the coming years. Germany is already the largest air taxi market in Europe. The companies are six years old on average and employ around 160 people. According to the study, the air taxi market will grow to 167 million euros. That corresponds to over 30 percent. “The figures are an important signal for the air taxi market in Germany and show that we are leaders in this technology. In order for this development to continue, it is important that the requirements for the ground and air-based operation of air taxis are determined in a timely manner,” says Garvens.
300 air taxis will be in operation by 2030
At the moment there are no air taxis flying, as all devices are in the design, prototype or certification phase. However, that could change as early as next year: the first commercial flights are expected to start in 2024, and around 300 air taxis are expected to be in operation in German airspace by 2030.
Predominantly military companies in the field of drone detection and defense
The German market for drone detection and defense was also examined for the first time in this study. The majority of companies operating in this segment have a military orientation. Such technology can be used above all in the areas of critical infrastructure and generally in safety-critical areas. They are also used to protect certain areas, such as nature reserves.
About the study
With this market study for the German drone and air taxi market, the Association of Unmanned Aviation (VUL), a joint initiative of the Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry (BDL) and the Federal Association of the German Aerospace Industry (BDLI), presents an updated and expanded edition of the market study 2021 based on actual market data. The market research company Drone Industry Insights from Hamburg, which specializes in unmanned aviation, was commissioned to carry out the analysis.
An overview of the study can be downloaded here.
The full 36-page study can be downloaded here.
Source: Unmanned Aviation Association (VUL)