Key Points: Contribute to the development of European aviation infrastructure by enhancing alignment between U-space and ATM, aiming for the safe integration of drones and Air Traffic Management.
Tokyo, April 8, 2025 – Terra Drone Corporation, a leading drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan, that its group company and a global leader in UAS Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, Unifly, participated in the ENSURE Project(“ENSURE”), which is being led by the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking (1), a joint research organization of SESAR(2). ENSURE is a research initiative aimed at integrating U-space with Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems to ensure the safe coexistence of drones and manned aircraft. Through ENSURE, Unifly will contribute to the development of European aviation infrastructure.
Background and Purpose
Recently, the commercial use of drones has been rapidly expanding, increasing the need for effective airspace management that allows drones and manned aircraft to operate safely in the same airspace. In Europe, the introduction of U-Space(3) is progressing, and its integration with existing ATM systems is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency.
ENSURE builds on the results of several initiatives previously by SESAR, such as CORUS-XUAM(4) and EUREKA(5), while developing an interface that seamlessly connects U-space with ATM systems. By enabling real-time airspace reconfiguration, dynamic airspace reconfiguration (DAR), ENSURE aims to create an environment where drones and existing ATM systems can coexist.
Project Overview
ENSURE is a large-scale initiative, led by INDRA, a Spanish aviation technology solutions provider, and includes major European aviation industry players such as Airbus, EUROCONTROL, ENAV, and Unifly. Key efforts in the project include:
- Standardizing data exchange and communication protocols between U-Space and ATM systems.
- Enhancing situational awareness for air traffic controllers and U-Space service providers.
- Implementing and validating DAR methods, a real-time airspace management.
- Addressing regulatory and safety requirements for the integration of drone operations within controlled airspace.
Unifly, with its extensive expertise in UAS Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, will provide the following contributions:
- Development and testing of U-Space services that enable real-time coordination between drones and traditional air traffic management.
- Technical support in the standardization of the U-Space and ATM interface, ensuring compliance with evolving European regulations.
- Participation in validation exercises and simulations to evaluate DAR systems.
- Support for the deployment of digital airspace management tools to improve the safety and efficiency of drone operations.
Future Prospects
ENSURE aims to demonstrate the integration of U-Space and ATM systems during 2025, and to establish DAR systems for high-density airspace. To foster transparency and collaboration within the industry, ENSURE will host an Open Day on May 28, 2025, at Tern Systems in Iceland. At this event, Unifly will showcase its advanced UTM solutions enabling safe and efficient airspace management across Europe, along with delivering the presentation themed on the digitalization and automation of U-Space.
Unifly will remain committed to contributing to the establishment of future airspace management, where drones and manned aircraft coexist.
Editor’s Notes
1 A joint research organization comprising government agencies and companies responsible for implementing the SESAR program.
2 European air traffic control modernization program aimed at developing next-generation air traffic management systems.
3 The concept regarding UTM, including the regulatory framework for drone implementation in Europe.
4 https://terra-drone.net/16123
5 https://terra-drone.net/15751
About Unifly NV
Unifly is a leading aviation tech company dedicated to enhancing the safety and efficiency of autonomous aviation with cutting-edge technology. The Unifly platform acts as a crucial bridge within the UAS ecosystem, enabling the safe and secure integration of next-generation aircraft into the airspace. By digitizing and automating traffic management and integrating seamlessly with drones and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Unifly addresses the exponential growth in air traffic expected in the coming decades. The company has a proven track record of implementing more than ten commercial UTM deployments, establishing it as a world leader in this industry.
For more information, please visit the website at Unifly.aero or contact us at press@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.Terra Drone was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market (Stock Code: 278A) on November 29, 2024. It also secured top spot in Global Drone Service Provider Rankings for 2024.
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
