Tokyo, November 27, 2024 — Terra Drone Corporation, a leading drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan, is proud to announce that its group company and a global leader in UAS Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, Unifly,celebrates the second anniversary of its Certiflight project. Launched in November 2022, Certiflight leverages blockchain, European Global Navigation Satellite Systems (EGNSS), and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance the safety and accountability of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and General Aviation (GA) flights. Certiflight is the first Galileo-based U-space service to certify flight tracks for UAS and ultralight aircraft, providing tamper-proof, legally valid flight data.
Certiflight includes a Digital EGNSS/IoT device that ensures the authenticity and integrity of flight data. Installed on UAS and GA aircraft, the device encrypts data and stores it on a blockchain for verifiable tracking. This technology strengthens airspace safety by preventing data manipulation, offering trusted data for law enforcement, incident investigations, and regulatory compliance.
Certiflight integrates Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) technology, which links authenticated positioning data with a blockchain, providing secure, certified flight data. Pilots use the Certiflight UTM Box to transmit encrypted data, which can be verified via a certification portal.
In April 2024, Certiflight completed a Test Readiness Review (TRR) in Prague, confirming the readiness of the system for real-world testing. Key outcomes included:
- Validation of Certiflight devices for secure and reliable performance
- Enhanced spoofing detection with improved EGNSS algorithms
- eamless integration with UTM/USSP platforms
- Transition to the integration and validation phases.
The Certiflight validation process officially kicked off in November 2024 and will continue through January 2025. This process will demonstrate the system’s capabilities through seven representative scenarios, which include:
- Volume Calculation
- Powerline Inspection
- Airspace Infringement / E-conspicuity
- Agriculture Applications
- Airport Inspection
- Monitoring Activities
- Port Surveillance (with Unifly involvement)
Each scenario is designed to test specific features of the Certiflight technology, including the devices and methodologies used, as well as the actors and equipment involved. The goal is to ensure that the system delivers the necessary functionality to meet the use cases and needs of all identified stakeholders.
Unifly will be part of the Port Surveillance scenario, where real-time demonstration of its capabilities will take place in a port area. Drones will be used for environmental monitoring, safety, and security. Expected results from this scenario include:
- Real-time visualisation of authenticated flight tracking
- Generation of light and full operation reports
- Automated flight log book
- Recorded Unifly UTM flight tracks
- Feedback from port stakeholders and authorities
This scenario will be part of a broader demonstration campaign in Belgium, Italy, and the Czech Republic, showcasing Certiflight’s interoperability with multiple U-space service providers, including Unifly.
Andres Van Swalm, CEO of Unifly, stated: “Certiflight represents a leap forward in securing the skies for unmanned and general aviation. By combining blockchain, EGNSS, and IoT, we’re setting new standards for data integrity and accountability, building trust in an evolving airspace.”
Unifly’s involvement in Certiflight underscores its commitment to advancing UTM technology and ensuring the safe integration of next-generation aircraft into shared airspace.
About Unifly
Unifly is a leading aviation technology company focused on enhancing the safety and efficiency of autonomous aviation. As a critical player in the UAS ecosystem, Unifly’s platform enables the safe integration of drones, Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and other next-generation aircraft into shared airspace. Through automated traffic management and seamless integration with UTM and U-Space service providers, Unifly is shaping the future of air traffic management. With over ten commercial UTM deployments worldwide, Unifly is at the forefront of UTM technology.
For more information on Certiflight and Unifly’s role in UTM solutions, visit unifly.aero.
About Terra Drone Corporation
Terra Drone Corporation, headquartered in Japan, is a global leader in drone and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions. Dedicated to the mission of “Unlock ‘X’ Dimensions”, the company is committed to creating a prosperous future by “crossing” bridges—integrating diverse fields to foster innovation and find solutions. Specializing in surveying, inspections, agriculture, and UAS Traffic Management (UTM), Terra Drone serves industries such as oil and gas, construction, chemicals, energy, and agriculture.
With a portfolio of over 3,000 completed projects worldwide, Terra Drone has achieved significant milestones in the drone operations field. In July 2023, the company acquired a majority stake in Unifly, a world-leading provider of UTM platform, with deployments in over eight countries, followed by an investment in U.S.-based Aloft Technologies in February 2024, further expanding its capabilities in UTM.
Recognized by Drone Industry Insights as one of the top three industrial drone service providers globally for five consecutive years, Terra Drone aims to build the digital infrastructure necessary to unlock the full potential of drones and AAM solutions. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.terra-drone.net
Media Contact:
PR Team, Terra Drone Corporation
Tel: +81-3-6419-7193
Email: pr@terra-drone.co.jp
