As part of the FFC programme of work, the Future Flight Community Integration Group (CIG) commissioned Midlands Aerospace Alliance and Achieving the Difference to produce a report that explores the practicalities of integrating drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies across regions in the UK. It looks specifically at the practicalities of integrating and operating drones and AAM. Greater Manchester was selected as the sample area for this study, following consultation with several other potential regions.
Clive Lewis, Managing Director of Achieving the Difference, commented: “The national benefits and challenges of drone and AAM operations at scale have been estimated and shared in earlier reports. In contrast, this report provides greater focus on the impact at regional level and identifies a wide range of economic and societal benefits for the region studied.
“In addition to the known national challenges, it demonstrates that local stakeholders may have their own particular concerns that might need local solutions rather than a one size fits all approach. However, some of the challenges and potential solutions identified for Greater Manchester have national implication, including how wildlife is protected.
“Engagement with stakeholders demonstrated that the level of awareness of the benefits and maturity of these new technologies varies widely between regions and within them. This will need to be accounted for as services are rolled out across different parts of the country.”
