Early in November 2023, Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) hosted senior leaders from the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Together with a consortium of industry leaders from the ÉALÚ-AER project, the group engaged in a dynamic exploration of ongoing developments in air mobility in Ireland. This meeting provided a platform to spotlight the innovative strides made in drone technologies and operations within the Future Mobility Campus and ÉALÚ-AER project.
The visit commenced with high-level discussions between our experts and the FAA leaders, sharing valuable perspectives on the future of aerial mobility. Notably, the FAA met not only with the FMCI team but also with key players in the industry, including Collins Aerospace, Avtrain, and The Shannon Airport Group.
FMCI and ÉALÚ-AER Project overview
Dr. Wassim Derguech, COO of FMCI and coordinator of the ÉALÚ-AER project, gave an overview of FMCI and the ÉALÚ-AER consortium’s ambition to deliver U-space services in the region. ÉALÚ-AER is one of the first European Digital Sky Demonstrators to focus on U-space and Urban Air Mobility as part of the European ATM Master Plan designed by the SESAR Joint Undertaking (JU). Through research and innovation, SESAR JU aims to accelerate the delivery of an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Digital European Sky.
Digital Sky Demonstrators, such as ÉALÚ-AER, are high-level Technology Readiness Level (TRL 7-8) projects that are funded in collaboration with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), under the Connected Europe Facility (CEF) funding instrument.
ÉALÚ-AER partners include: FMCI (coordinator), Collins Aerospace, The Shannon Airport Group, Avtrain, DeepBlue, Manna, AirNav Ireland, and Spright.
The ÉALÚ-AER Project is co-funded by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility programme, managed by CINEA, and supported by the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking.
Technical Details Shared by Collins Aerospace
The Collins Aerospace team, comprising Stefano Riverso and Javier Camacho Font, shared intricate technical details of the technology stack developed for the ÉALÚ-AER project. Their detailed presentation provided a comprehensive understanding of the technology supporting U-space service implementation, enabling safe and efficient drone operations.
Insights into Regulatory Framework by Avtrain
Julie Garland, CEO of Avtrain, shared insightful perspectives on the regulatory framework in Ireland and Europe. Specifically, she highlighted the regulatory measures that enable the creation of safe drone operations in Class C airspace near Shannon Airport.
Counter Drone Strategy by Shannon Airport Group
John Drysdale from the Shannon Airport Group shared important insights into the counter-drone strategy and plans for the airport authority. This discussion emphasised the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of the airspace around Shannon Airport in coordination with the drone operations carried out by FMCI and associated partners.
Live Drone testing and WebUAS Demonstration
Practical demonstrations were a highlight of the visit, featuring live drone flights from FMCI drone port, also known as the Advanced Air Mobility Hub, situated near Shannon Airport. Attendees witnessed the capabilities of the WebUAS, a web-based Unmanned Aircraft System management platform integral to the success of the ÉALÚ-AER project.
Seamless Coordination with Air Traffic Controllers
One of the important highlights of the demonstrations was the flawless coordination between our drone operations and air traffic controllers. This coordination shows the viability of integrating drones into Class C airspace, emphasising safety and efficiency.
Looking Ahead
As Future Mobility Campus Ireland continues to support drone innovations in Ireland, the successful visit from senior FAA leaders demonstrates the synergy between industry players, Irish Aviation Authority regulators, and AirNav Ireland for successful drone operations via U-space services within ÉALÚ-AER.
