Airshare joins Airspace Integrated Trials Programme

AITP is a collaboration between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the Ministry of Transport (MOT), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Airways New Zealand, dedicated to supporting the safe testing, development and market validation of advanced uncrewed aircraft in New Zealand.

As part of the programme, AirShare, owned by Airways International Ltd, will work with MBIE and other AITP partners to trial its Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) system for managing uncrewed aircraft (UA) airspace access. 

Trials will involve using the AirShare UTM to provide airspace management services; sharing AirShare data with other systems in support of autonomous drone operations; and integrating with UA operators’ systems to demonstrate capabilities such as electronic flight plan submission and authorisation.

Airways International CEO Sharon Cooke says AirShare’s participation in the AITP supports its goal to be part of an ecosystem of connected systems to enable a safer and more efficient airspace for all participants.

“We’re looking forward to working with New Zealand industry partners to accelerate the integration of advanced uncrewed aircraft into our airspace, by demonstrating the capabilities of our UTM system and sharing data to support UA operations,” Ms Cooke says.  “New Zealand is a great place to develop and trial airspace initiatives, which creates an exciting environment for AITP partners like AirShare to trial and advance our capabilities.”

MBIE Director of Innovative Partnerships Joe McKay agrees, saying “AITP partners are delighted to welcome Airshare to the Airspace Integration Trials Programme.  

 “As the volume and applications of uncrewed aircraft increases, tools to manage uncrewed traffic alongside traditional air traffic are essential. It’s great to have Airshare on board and working alongside existing partners as we aim to accelerate the safe and efficient integration of advanced uncrewed aircraft with New Zealand’s aviation system.”

AirShare and other AITP partners will also collaborate to establish research and development facilities which will provide sustainable economic uncrewed traffic information opportunities through effective lower airspace management and safe integration of drones.

Find out more about AirShare and our other industry partners

UAS traffic management: AirShare(external link) — Airways International Ltd