Frequentis has implemented its unmanned traffic management suit for Estonian Air Navigation Services, boosting the drone-related services in the country.
Drone operators in Estonia can now use the Frequentis UTM suite’s services and applications, as implemented by Estonian Air Navigation Services (EANS) for up-to-date drone flight information, registration services, the exchange of data, airspace condition monitoring, filing flight plans, and even to apply for take-off clearance.
The coordination of drone flights between the operator and ATCOs was first implemented in Tallinn, due to the proximity of Estonia’s largest airport. Developments to implement the same service near regional airports is ongoing.
Ivar Värk, CEO of Estonian Air Navigation Services said, “Uncrewed aviation and drone markets are growing fast. The UTM suite will support the development of uncrewed aviation, and this will enable drone services to thrive as we are able to increase efficient and safe access to the airspace. Frequentis was able to put the system into operation in just seven months.”
EANS is set to become the common information services (CIS) provider in Estoina and the cloud-based Frequentis UTM suite facilitates a CIS environment for all uncrewed aviation stakeholders.
The Frequentis’ UTM features a secure open protocol to ensure seamless data exchange between government authorities, entrepreneurs, and drone operators. It also offers a drone map, which provides insights into permanent and temporary flight restriction zones, permitted flight altitudes, flight registrations, and airspace monitoring.
Hannu Juurakku, executive vice president of Frequentis ATM civil and chairman of the ATM executive board said, “The launch of the Frequentis UTM suite in Estonia is a significant milestone within the country’s drone industry and the system can scale with demand. With an open, clear, and simple solution, we are committed to supporting the safe and efficient integration of drones while fostering innovation and economic growth.
“We are dedicated to continuously refining and expanding the UTM system capabilities, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the uncrewed aviation domain, including the ability to integrate new services.”
The Frequentis UTM suite is available through a web portal, and soon as a mobile app, consisting of the UTM Operation Manager to enhance airspace safety and efficiency for drone operators and the UTM Airspace Manager application for ATCOs to enhance safety and situational awareness. This ensures that both drone operators and ATCOs have an understanding of their operating environment.
Frequentis has been working together with EANS and other Nordics and Baltics stakeholders on the SESAR Gulf of Finland (GOF) and GOF 2 projects, exploring the safe integration of drones, trialling and validating use cases in line with U-space regulatory framework.