Terra Drone showcases UTM system to Indonesia’s air traffic controller AirNav

Terra Drone Indonesia, a group company of Japan-based Terra Drone Corporation, has successfully demonstrated its Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system to Indonesia government’s air-traffic control agency AirNav.

The demonstration was held at the Jakarta Air Traffic Services Center (JATSC) to showcase how drones could be safely integrated into Indonesian airspace. It was attended by the Ministry of Transportation’s Directorate of Airworthiness and Aircraft Operations, Directorate of Air Navigation, Directorate of Air Transport, and Directorate of Airports.

The two state enterprises of the Indonesian Department of Transport which are responsible for the management of airports in Indonesia, Angkasa Pura I and Angkasa Pura II, also witnessed the demonstration along with the Indonesian Drone Pilot Association and Association for Unmanned Systems and Technology (locally known as ASTTA).

In March 2019, AirNav Indonesia said it will invest over $181 million in automation technology to improve its navigation facilities. With the demand for industrial drones growing in the country, a robust system for unmanned traffic management has become crucial for Indonesia.

Terra Drone’s UTM system will allow AirNav to undertake real-time monitoring and management of all active registered drones. Enabling easy communication between different authorities and drone pilots, the system will act as a holistic platform where UAV pilots can apply for flight permits in accordance with the local and national regulations, and receive authorizations.

The UTM system, which has been developed by Terra Drone’s portfolio company Unifly, has already seen success in countries like Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Austria, and Japan.

Explaining why an early implementation of the UTM platform is necessary, Michael Wishnu Wardana, Managing Director of Terra Drone Indonesia, says, “The current drone technology is very easily accessible and its use will continue to grow rapidly. If drone operations are not carried out in accordance with the rules and regulations, it may disrupt civil aviation safety.

"Terra Drone cares for the safety and security of civil aviation in Indonesia and we invest time and energy not only in the use of drones in the industrial sector, but also in developing the support systems needed to increase the adoption of drones. We are ready to cooperate with all relevant organizations to ensure the accommodation of all aspects of unmanned vehicular safety into our system.”