A new whitepaper has been presented to the government which sets out a route to accelerate the growth of the drone industry and transform the UK’s capability to achieve world-leadership in drone technology.
The transformative impact of drone technology is set to be a game-changer for the global economy, with Barclay’s recently predicting that the global drone market is set to grow 10-fold from £3bn last year to £30bn in the next five years alone.
Furthermore, Barclay’s believe the use of drones will generate cost savings in the region of £77bn.
A new report, with input from more than 300 companies and organisations, lays out a roadmap for the commercialisation of the UK air drone industry.
It calls for the development of new testing grounds to deliver public safety, advance the industry, support the ambition of UK Plc to become a global leader in drone technology and to provide a solution to the sector’s biggest challenge in making commercial drone flights a reality in UK skies.
The paper, developed by the Drone Delivery Group over two years, addresses the vital need for a safe infrastructure where drones can operate safely in airspace potentially shared with other manned or unmanned aircraft.
This includes testing sites for drones considered essential in enabling the commercial value of the industry to be realised. It states that ‘a national approach is urgently needed’ in order to ensure this ‘vital foundation for the drone industry’ is established quickly.
Chairman of the UK Drone Delivery Group, Robert Garbett commented: “The government has been very supportive of the drone industry and it recognises that the speed of growth of this extraordinary sector will be guaranteed if we focus on the testing of its effectiveness and public safety, as outlined in our whitepaper today.
“This acceleration of the drone industry will provide economic growth, jobs and career opportunities now, and for generations to come.”
“Implementing the guidance recommended in the Drone Delivery Group’s whitepaper is paramount to ensuring the UK grasps the outstanding opportunity for this industry’s future growth.
“The USA, China and Japan have already started to embrace the need for testing infrastructure but have yet to evolve to a model which will accelerate the commercialisation of the industry… It is essential we act now.”
Those interested in participating in the UK Drone Delivery Group’s drone testing ground initiative are asked to contact: https://www.dronedeliverygroup.org/join-the-group
*Header image courtesy of Depositphotos
