At Aerial Cities 2024, this panel offered a clear-eyed view of where the #eVTOL and #AAM industries truly stand. Key takeaways from the session: ➡️ Passenger trust is the real design challenge. From “a product my mother wants to fly in” (CRISALION) to full-scale test demonstrators (Supernal), the focus is shifting from prototypes to public-ready aircraft. ➡️ Infrastructure may be the biggest bottleneck. “You’re talking $25 million to build a vertiport,” (Bristow Group) — and there are no zoning codes in place yet. ➡️ #Regulation is moving fast — but not evenly. The UK, EU, and US are aligning slowly, while China is already certifying autonomous vehicles. That divergence could reshape the global market. ➡️ #Airspace strategies vary dramatically. The UK is going fully integrated, while Spain is testing U-space corridors. Harmonisation is still a work in progress. ➡️ Coexistence, not disruption, will define the 2030s. Future skies will blend eVTOLs, #drones, and traditional #aviation — and success will depend on collaboration, not competition. Moderated by Darryl Abelscroft (Future of Flight, UKCAA ), this panel featured expert insights from David Stepanek, FRAeS (Executive Vice President & Chief Transformation Officer, Bristow Group), Mark Watson (Head of UTM Service Integration, NATS), Manuel Heredia Ortiz (Former CEO, CRISALION), Diana Marina Cooper (Chief Partnerships & Policy Officer, Supernal), and Daniel García-Monteavaro (Head of Drone Business Development Department, ENAIRE) — in one of the most grounded, real-world conversations of the event. Read the full session recap now: 👉 https://dronetalks.online/evtol-aam-a...
#advancedairmobility #AerialCities #airspacemanagement #aviationregulation #collaboration #droneevents #droneindustry #infrastructure #MRO #UAM #urbanairmobility #UAV #Uspace
"We input everything into a single pane of glass so you can visualise it and deconflict it on a single screen,” said Jayant Sachdev, Product Manager at Kongsberg Geospatial, describing how the Iris Terminal gives a full common operating picture of an airspace.
For operators scaling BVLOS drone missions, this level of situational awareness is critical. With its real-time mapping, multi-sensor fusion, and intelligent alerting system, Kongsberg Geospatial's Iris Terminal is helping drone teams fly safely, prove compliance, and build the future of automated UAS operations.
At CANSO's Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, our Co-founder and CEO Eszter Kovács interviewed Jayant to explore how Kongsberg Geospatial is translating decades of defence-grade mapping expertise into scalable airspace intelligence tools for the drone industry.
Whether you're overseeing complex droneflights or building a regulatory case for BVLOS approval, Iris Terminal offers unmatched real-time airspace visibility.
Watch the full interview to hear how Kongsberg Geospatial is enabling BVLOS flights, supporting electronic observer use cases, and helping operators visualise complex airspace in real time: https://dronetalks.online/kongsberg-geospatial-bvlos-operations-airspace/
#Drones are no longer the side story, they’re rewriting the rules of global #airspace. At Airspace World 2025, our CEO and co-founder, Eszter Kovács sat down with Michelle Bishop from CANSO to break down the newly published CATS ConOps, the industry's roadmap for integrating #eVTOLs, #drones, and high-altitude platforms into a fully digital, unified #airspace.
We covered:
🔹 What the CATS ConOps actually means
🔹 Why segregated airspace won’t scale
🔹 How digitization and #AI will drive #ATM transformation
🔹 What drone and #AAM companies must do now to stay relevant
Building a scalable #drone company is no longer just about technology — it’s about execution. At Aerial Cities 2024, the panel on #funding a scalable business model brought together top voices from both startup and investment circles to share what really makes drone ventures fundable and #scalable in today’s capital environment. Their advice? Focus less on the pitch deck, and more on the #business behind the drone. Key takeaways from the panel: ➡️ Market fragmentation is a major barrier. Too many companies are chasing too little #revenue, and it’s diluting investor confidence. ➡️ #Pilot projects are no longer impressive. If your system isn’t generating daily usage or ongoing revenue, it’s not considered viable. ➡️ It’s not just about #airworthiness — it’s about business readiness and financial fluency. That means certifications, compliance, field support, and scaling strategy. ➡️ What makes a drone company attractive for investors in 2025? Clear market focus, proven use cases, and the ability to articulate a scalable business model — strengthened by real numbers and strong execution. Moderated by Kara Jones, Director of GENIUS NY, this discussion featured Mark Green, Managing Director & Head of Technology Banking at Ladenburg Thalman; Eric Brock, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Ondas Holdings; Gwen Lighter, CEO of GoAero; Philip Buchan, COO at Cyberhawk; and Alex Pachikov, Co-Founder & CEO of Sunflower Labs.
Watch the full panel discussion to find out what investors are really looking for — and how drone startups can stand out in a crowded market.
"You might spend more money on our product in upfront cost; it’s about ten times higher, but you’d have to buy more than ten sets of #batteries to run for 1,500 hours," said Andy Kelly from Intelligent Energy.
For operators scaling industrial #drone missions, the math is clear — hydrogen-powered #UAVs fly longer, reduce fleet downtime, and slash total cost of ownership.
With 3X the endurance of lithium-powered #drones, Intelligent Energy’s IE-SOAR fuel cells are already transforming industries such as mapping, LiDAR surveying, infrastructure inspection, and defence. In real-world tests, a hydrogen-powered UAV flew 483% longer than a battery-powered drone under identical conditions.
At the Commercial UAV News Expo 2024, Andy Kelly, Head of Product at Intelligent Energy, joined our Co-founder and CEO, Eszter Kovács, to discuss why #hydrogen is the key to scalable #UAV operations, beyond #BVLOS limitations, and ready for commercial adoption today. From offshore wind farm inspections covering 150 miles in a single flight to eliminating fleet downtime with 1,500-hour fuel cell lifespans, Intelligent Energy is reshaping UAV capabilities and making industrial drone operations truly viable.
Watch the full interview to hear Andy’s insights on how hydrogen UAVs are unlocking new commercial opportunities and driving industry-wide adoption.
At Aerial Cities 2024, panellists discussed “Trends and opportunities: An industry perspective on the past successes and challenges ahead.” Key takeaways from the discussion: ➡️ Manna Air Delivery proves #profitability is possible — but #regulation is the roadblock. Operating thousands of flights per month with just four aircraft, Manna has built a revenue-generating suburban delivery model. Yet, slow regulatory progress is limiting expansion in key markets like the UK. ➡️ "A bad #framework is better than no framework." Industry leaders stressed that unpredictable #BVLOS regulations are keeping businesses in trial mode. The US and Italy are advancing, while the UK remains stuck in test environments without a clear path to commercial #scaling. ➡️ AI, #satellite tech, and detect-and-avoid systems are the backbone of large-scale #drone operations. Amazon Prime Air is refining multi-layered detect-and-avoid systems, while Telespazio is solving #GPS accuracy issues in urban environments with satellite-based navigation. Moderated by Lorenzo Murzilli, Co-founder & CEO of Murzilli Consulting, the session featured expert insights from: Carlos Hernandez Medel, CCO at Telespazio Ibérica; Duncan Casey, UK Head of Airworthiness & Certification at Amazon Prime Air; Bobby Healy, Founder & CEO of Manna Drone Delivery; Alex Brown, Director at Skyports Drone Services; Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace; and Ewa Gowers, Head of SARG Operations & Programmes at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (representing Sofia S. from the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom).
Scaling a #drone #business is harder than ever — so how are top #investors spotting winners?
At Aerial Cities 2024, we went straight to the source. The #investment landscape has shifted dramatically, and only the most adaptable businesses will survive. Raising #capital is no longer only about #innovative tech.
Today, it’s all about real #revenue, smart #scaling strategies, and knowing when to pivot.
Key takeaways from the panel discussion:
➡️ A few years ago, proof of concept was enough to secure investment. Now, investors want tangible revenue and a clear path to #profitability.
➡️ #Adaptability is critical to survival. Startups must build strong, flexible teams that can #pivot, take feedback, and navigate challenges.
➡️ #Regulations can make or break you. Companies working with #regulators, rather than waiting for policy changes, will gain a #competitive advantage.
Moderated by Dario Di Martino, Founder & CEO of DMD Solutions, the panel featured top industry voices, including Gabriela Matic, Co-founder & Director at Metta/ Venture Partner at Aerospace Xelerated; Gary Cutts, Challenge Director for Future Flight at UK Research and Innovation; Gordon Baker, Policy Advisor for Robotics at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; and Etienne Louvet, Founder & CEO of IONA.
“We bring in the right drone service providers to make sure a customer who wants to inspect a dam, for example, can buy the service and the package and be certain everything is working rather than looking around for each component separately.” - says Kristofer Skantze, CEO of Xer Technologies, who sees #Switzerland as the future of UAV #innovation — a place where #drone companies can scale, work together, and thrive.
At the 2024 Commercial UAV News Expo, Kristofer sat down with Thilo Uebbert, Senior Consultant for Programme Management at Murzilli Consulting, to discuss:
✅ Why Switzerland is the ideal home for #UAV companies
✅ How #verticalisation has fuelled Xer Technologies’ rapid growth
✅ The biggest challenges facing the industry, from talent shortages to #regulatory hurdles
To drive UAV innovation forward, Kristofer emphasised the need for stronger industry #collaboration, pragmatic #regulations, and end-to-end #solutions rather than just hardware.
"We hate testing, demonstration, and trial. We started the company with a customer — a signed contract two years after the creation of the company." By putting real-world #operations ahead of endless #pilots, ADLC is proving that industrial drone #logistics isn’t just the future — it’s happening now. ADLC’s authorised #BVLOS flights cover a 12.5km route in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, with #drones capable of carrying payloads of up to 15kg. Projects such as #SAMPLIFLY have reduced sample transport times from 40 minutes to 10, slashing CO₂ emissions by 80%. With €2M in seed #funding, the company is expanding its network across European #ports and offshore industries, driving #regulatory progress and setting new standards for efficiency. At @ADWworld
DroneTalks | How Zipline is advancing UTM with the Dallas-Fort Worth project and global airspace integration
“What we’re doing in Texas, we can replicate worldwide.” By eliminating the need for visual observers and implementing strategic#deconfliction, Zipline is paving the way for scalable global drone deliveries, reducing costs and expanding access to critical goods.
At the Commercial UAV News Expo 2024, Peter Sachs, Head of Airspace Integration Strategy at Zipline, joined our Co-founder and CEO, Eszter Kovács, to discuss Zipline’s challenges and opportunities in scaling#drone services globally, from regulatory complexities to operational efficiencies. Peter also provided a firsthand look at the Dallas-Fort Worth UTM Key Site project, a critical initiative in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as several other drone delivery companies, that’s advancing safe and efficient#airspace integration, setting new industry standards, and unlocking opportunities for future drone services.
This year at Aerial Cities 2024 in#London, we kicked off the conference with a compelling panel discussion on the emerging trends and the evolving landscape of aerial#mobility in urban environments.
Key insights from the panel:
➡️ Infrastructure milestones: Hamburg Aviation celebrated the opening of a dedicated#drone port, enabling real-world testing and public demonstrations.
➡️ Regulatory progress: The UK’s CAA highlighted advancements with the#SORA methodology and digitised application processes, enabling new operational possibilities for#drones.
➡️ Urban integration challenges: Dublin and Coventry discussed the critical need to embed drone#technology into urban planning frameworks and shared their approaches to public engagement and collaboration.
➡️ Public acceptance: Hamburg and Coventry emphasised the importance of transparent communication about drones’ public benefits, such as medical deliveries and flood#monitoring.
➡️ Balancing regulations: Madrid outlined the importance of cautious, step-by-step#regulatory development to ensure fair use of urban#airspace while addressing challenges like rogue drone operators and airspace monitoring.
➡️ Collaboration as the key to progress: UK’s CAA also emphasised that aerial mobility is an ecosystem requiring all players to move forward together.
Initiatives like the UK’s Future Flight Action Plan were highlighted as examples of coordinated efforts aligning#regulation, operations, and technology.
Moderated by Lorenzo Murzilli, Co-founder and CEO of Murzilli Consulting, the panel featured key figures such as Denise Braemer (Project Lead, CITYAM, Hamburg Aviation), Sunil Budhdeo (Transport Innovation Manager, Coventry City Council), Thomas Curran (Head of Survey & Mapping Division, Dublin City Council), Ewa Gowers (Head of SARG Operations & Programmes, UK Civil Aviation Authority), and José Javier Rodríguez Hernández (Deputy Director of Traffic Management and Taxi Service, Ayuntamiento de Madrid).
“We're always pushing the edge and trying to innovate while maintaining safe operations within whatever regulatory framework we have to work in." - Scott Lashmit, U.S. Aviation Manager at Cyberhawk. Last year, Cyberhawk experienced record-breaking revenue growth of 55%, reaching $28.7 million, a testament to what’s possible when #innovation meets a commitment to safety. During the Commercial UAV News Expo, Scott sat down with Thilo Uebbert, Senior Consultant for Programme Management at Murzilli Consulting, to share how Cyberhawk has scaled successfully in a constantly evolving industry. From navigating 40 different regulatory authorities to training pilots in “The Cyberhawk Way,” their journey highlights what it takes to grow while setting the standard for #safety and operational excellence. Scott shared three pillars that have been instrumental to their success:
1️⃣ Reliable #technology from trusted manufacturers.
2️⃣ Strong internal procedures and thorough #pilot training.
3️⃣ Community #outreach to build trust and understanding. Scaling a drone company isn’t easy, but Cyberhawk proves it’s possible with the right strategy and values.
Volatus Aerospace is driving global #growth with its recent merger with Drone Delivery Canada, expanding capabilities in #cargo delivery and #autonomous #drone operations. Alongside strategic acquisitions, the company is empowering the next generation through the #SEAR Program, which equips #students with skills in drone #technology and #data analysis to solve real-world challenges.
At the 2024 Commercial UAV News Expo in Las Vegas, our Co-founder and CEO, Eszter Kovács, interviewed Volatus Aerospace’s Abhinav Singhvi, CFO, and Danielle Gagne, Head of Marketing and Communications. They shared insights of their strong foundation in safety, compliance, and #innovation. From industry consolidation to public engagement, Volatus is setting new standards in drone services and paving the way for the future of #aviation. Learn how they’re shaping the drone industry with innovation, education, and global expansion
"AirborneRF’s Self-Service Portal allows drone operators to easily access connectivity data directly through the website, without the need for an API, enabling more efficient planning and execution of BVLOS missions." At the Commercial UAV Expo 2024, Eszter Kovács, CEO of DroneTalks, interviewed Paul Dolejschi from Dimetor to discuss the launch of the AirborneRF Self-Service Portal and its impact on #BVLOS #drone #operations.
With over 200 stakeholders and groundbreaking initiatives like CITYAM, Hamburg Aviation is leading the charge in #urbanairmobility, #sustainableaviation, and international collaboration. Based in Hamburg, Germany -- a global hub of #aviationinnovation -- this dynamic cluster is uniting industry giants like Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, and innovative startups to revolutionise how cities integrate drone technology. “If we’re thinking about the cities of tomorrow, we need to consider drone integration today,” said Denise Braemer, Project Lead at Hamburg Aviation. At Amsterdam Drone Week 2024, DroneTalks Co-founder and CEO, Eszter Kovács, met Hamburg Aviation’s Denise Braemer to explore how the organisation is transforming urban airspaces through collaborative innovations and pilot projects, which highlight the transformative potential of drones in city operations. In partnership with the Hamburg Port Authority, 100+ #drone flights in the harbour demonstrated how drones can streamline floodgate inspections — reducing time, labour, and costs compared to traditional methods. From fostering public trust with interactive demonstration #flights to advancing #greentech through lightweight materials and sustainable fuels, Hamburg Aviation is setting the standard for smarter, greener cities -- proving that #collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of drone technology.
With BVLOS operations in 14 countries and regulatory approvals in 35 and over a decade of excellence, SwissDrones has become a trailblazer in the #drone industry, creating #unmanned helicopter systems that are transforming #infrastructure inspections, emergency response, and search and rescue missions worldwide.
Headquartered in Switzerland, a global hub for #aerospace #innovation, SwissDrones operates with a commitment to #precision #engineering and #sustainability. Their flagship system, the SDO 50V2, offers unmatched capabilities, from advanced #sensor #integration to #BVLOS #operations, cutting CO2 emissions by up to 95% compared to traditional helicopters.
Murzilli Consulting’s Senior Consultant for Programme Management, Thilo Uebbert, sat down with SwissDrones’ CEO, Ulrich Amberg, at this year’s Commercial UAV News Expo in Las Vegas, to dive into the company’s journey, technological breakthroughs, and the global opportunities that contribute to their growth.
The company reached groundbreaking milestones like Australia’s 500km BVLOS authorisation, SwissDrones is proving its global impact.
One airspace for all - military, civil aviation, and drones!
Our CEO, Eszter Kovacs, recently visited Ticino Innovation Park, and Swiss Drone Competence Center where #military, civil #aviation, and #drones coexist and are tested in a singular, shared #airspace - a groundbreaking achievement in #aviation.
Through interviews with key figures, Eszter explored why companies choose this location for their testing: it’s not just the advanced technology, but also the collaborative environment and the precision-driven support from universities like ETH Zurich and USI. This shared airspace represents a unique opportunity for testing in real-world conditions, where different sectors can coexist and push the boundaries of UAV technology. The park stands out not just for its cutting-edge technology but for fostering true cross-industry collaboration, all within Switzerland’s renowned framework of #quality and #safety standards.
At Amsterdam Drone Week 2024, our Co-founder and CEO, Eszter Kovacs, had an in-depth conversation with Manu Lubrano, Co-founder and CEO of INVOLI, to explore their game-changing approach to airspace management.
By strategically installing 400+ air traffic receivers on wind turbines across Germany, positioned at 150 metres above ground, INVOLI is not only improving drone and aircraft visibility but also supporting compliance with the latest regulations to reduce light pollution.
Their advanced multilateration technology detects low-altitude aircraft and offers real-time traffic awareness down to ground level. This precise data is now being integrated by local drone operators to enable BVLOS flights and complex drone operations, effectively transforming the way drones are utilised in German airspace. INVOLI’s collaboration with the wind turbine industry is a clear example of how they adapt their solutions to meet industry-specific needs, driving innovation in sectors that go beyond traditional air traffic management.
Ready to learn how INVOLI is bridging the gap between unmanned and manned aviation while addressing real-world challenges? Watch the full interview and discover how they’re setting new standards in U-Space development and airspace safety.
“Iridium is really a company that has changed the paradigm in space communication,” - Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO.
Ever wondered how Elon Musk’s SpaceX helped transform a company into the only satellite network that covers every inch of the globe? Iridium’s journey is nothing short of epic - a story of innovation, resilience, and daring partnerships that have redefined what’s possible in satellite communications.
In this recent interview at Amsterdam Drone Week, Joe Darden, Associate Director of Aviation Business Development at Iridium, and Eszter Kovács, Co-Founder and CEO of DroneTalks, had an insightful conversation about the company’s history and the way how they provide satellite communication services for BVLOS drone flights.
By daring to collaborate with SpaceX at a time when the company was still an emerging player, and embracing automation, Iridium has transformed its operations, to manage a constellation that ensures seamless, low-latency connectivity across the entire planet - a key capability for industries like drones and aviation.
In this conversation, Eszter and Joe delve deeply into lessons learned from other industries that can be adapted for drone technology. They also explore how satellite capabilities enhance and elevate drone services to a new level.
Do you want to meet Joe? Be a part of our VIP, invitation-only event, Aerial Cities, where one of our esteemed partners is Iridium.
What if drones could do more than just fly? What if they could transform entire industries? Lorenzo Murzilli, co-founder and CEO of Murzilli Consulting had an insightful discussion with Soo Soon Teong, SVP and Head of Unmanned Systems at ST Engineering, at this year's Amsterdam Drone Week. In our exclusive interview, Soo Soon explains how ST Engineering isn't just creating drones but is at the forefront of integrating advanced AI and safety technologies to deliver comprehensive solutions that enhance efficiency and safety across various sectors. ST Engineering is redefining the boundaries of unmanned systems with its innovative approach and solutions that go beyond the drone itself. With a team of 70 to 80 specialists, Soo Soon highlights their latest developments, including a successful demonstration in Europe that showcased the potential of multi-UAV operations to execute complex tasks with minimal manpower. The conversation touches on the evolution from selling mere drones to providing end-to-end solutions that include sophisticated UAV operating systems and rigorous safety protocols designed to meet high safety integrity levels.