Unmanned aircraft are increasingly used to transport cargo and mail.
Different technical capabilities enable transportation at decreasing costs,
whether through small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or larger remotely
piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). Opportunities include package deliveries in
urban and suburban environments, or regional, and even international
operations. Regulatory challenges include certification of aircraft;
operational approvals and oversight; ground and airspace infrastructure;
airspace management; increasing levels of automation and the role of the
human; identifying and addressing novel regulatory challenges.
This session will explore how unmanned aircraft are used to support
economic activities, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, as well as
other critical functions such as infrastructure monitoring, firefighting, data
collection. Experts will share insights on the operational capabilities offered
by these technologies, as well as specific regulatory challenges and highlight
the critical importance of international cooperation to maximize the benefits
of unmanned aviation to support air cargo operations.
Moderator
Michele Merkle, Director, Air Navigation Bureau, ICAO
Panellists
Betim Bekteshi, United Nations Department of Operational Support
Verity Richardson, Director, Business Development, Archer
Mateusz Kotlinski, Air Traffic Management Expert, ICAO Secretariat
Barry Koperberg, Founder and General Manager, Wings For Aid
Trevor Caswell, General Manager, Edmonton International Airport
Giovanni Barraco, Head of the Advanced Air Mobility and Innovative Air
Mobility Office, Italian Civil Aviation Authority