Partnership Brings AI-Driven UTM Technology to Electrical Infrastructure Inspections
Propeller Drones has partnered with Airwayz to fulfill a $7 million contract with the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC). This project marks a milestone in BVLOS drone operations in Israel, enabling unmanned aircraft to conduct autonomous inspections of electrical infrastructure using pre-approved AI-managed routes.
The collaboration is notable for being the first government-approved unmanned traffic management (UTM) system to support beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. This advancement sets the stage for further adoption of autonomous drone technologies across industries.
Overcoming Regulatory Challenges with Advanced UTM Technology
Until now, regulatory concerns have slowed the expansion of BVLOS drone flights, requiring systems capable of ensuring safety on a large scale. Airwayz, known for its dynamic UTM platform, has been selected to manage the IEC project’s flight operations. The company’s UTM system, developed by experienced air traffic controllers, integrates real-time data, including weather and location, to optimize airspace usage.
“This project is a landmark not only for Airwayz but for the entire industry,” said Eyal Zor, CEO and Co-Founder of Airwayz. “Each flight utilizing our proven UTM technology will be studied and will help turn the vision of autonomous BVLOS drone operations into reality. As the system accumulates flight hours, we witness significant enhancements in airspace optimization, opening up business opportunities that industries have anticipated.”
Airwayz’s system can simultaneously manage multiple drone fleets, rerouting them as needed to maintain operational safety. This capability was a critical factor in the project’s approval, showcasing its potential to expand beyond local applications.
Enhancing Commercial Viability for Autonomous Operations
Propeller Drones, Israel’s largest drone service provider, collaborated with FlightOps to integrate AI capabilities that meet both IEC requirements and strict safety standards. The combined efforts of these organizations aim to demonstrate the reliability and scalability of autonomous operations for industrial applications.
“Bringing together proven teams has allowed us to expand our commercial activities,” said Itamar Kohali, CEO of Propeller Drones. “As industry demands continue to rise, each regulator-approved large-scale operation brings us one step closer to delivering these capabilities to organizations that need them most.”
The project’s success has implications for other industries seeking to adopt drone technology for inspections, particularly in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas. By reducing operational risks and improving efficiency, the partnership creates new possibilities for organizations worldwide.
A Unified Approach to Global Expansion
The collaboration between Propeller Drones, Airwayz, and FlightOps highlights the importance of unified efforts in advancing drone technology. Together, these companies are positioned to apply for additional tenders and regulatory approvals in various markets.
As autonomous drone operations continue to gain regulatory and commercial traction, projects like the IEC contract demonstrate the value of aligning technology, safety, and operational expertise. The future of autonomous BVLOS operations looks promising as these organizations pave the way for broader adoption.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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