Drones

Switzerland is becoming an important global centre of excellence for advancing the unmanned aircraft sector and Skyguide is playing a vital role in ensuring these new aircraft can fly safely and securely. We are a leading partner in the Swiss U-Space Implementation (SUSI) team, which in December 2020 launched the world’s first remote national drone identification scheme to help Skyguide manage drone operations in lower airspace areas.

The European Commission expects that the global drone marketplace will create more than EUR 10 billion in economic impact each year by 2035. “U-Space” is a set of new services and procedures designed to support safe, efficient and secure access to airspace for these large numbers of unmanned aircraft. It provides the framework for routine drone operations and an effective interface to manned aviation.

Skyguide is responsible for providing clearances for drone operations in the airspace in which Air Traffic Control (ATC) approval is required, including airspace around airports and regional aerodromes. Its U-Space app gives drone operators a detailed overview of key restrictions and constraints on drone operations throughout the country and an automated flight authorisation request system.

The Swiss U-Space platform includes an open interface enabling multiple U-Space service providers to connect to core U-Space services provided by Skyguide’s Flight Information Management System (FIMS). We thereby promote an open and competitive drone economy. Switzerland has become a global pioneer of U-Space and drone services thanks to the close cooperation between Skyguide, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and our technology partner.