Airways International and Tāwhaki are to partner on the development of an unmanned traffic management system in New Zealand
Airways International is the commercial arm of ANSP Airways New Zealand, and Tāwhaki is a aerospace R&D organsiation in the Aotearoa region. This week’s agreement identifies target areas to fast-track testing of uncrewed aircraft that can benefit operators, policy makers and regulators in New Zealand and around the world.
Tāwhaki will shortly be deploying the latest iteration of Airways International’s uncrewed traffic management (UTM) system, AirShare, at the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete, Aotearoa.
AirShare’s UTM system aims will provide a clear picture of airspace activity for operators at the multi-use site to share the air safely and efficiently and support future projects.
Airways International and Tāwhaki are also looking to set up flight corridors to explore future unmanned aircraft concepts of operations in the airspace and support the introduction of new types of aircraft.
The data and learnings from these projects will assist policy makers, regulators and standards development organisations to prepare for these operations and enable new and uncrewed aircraft to become commonplace.
Airways International CEO, Sharon Cooke said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Tāwhaki to provide UTM services and trial advanced UTM features and traffic management concepts aimed at creating the aviation environment of the future.”
Tāwhaki CEO Linda Falwasser said: “We need to be responsive and progressive in how we help this sector grow and working together to find practical, forward-looking solutions is key. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Airways International to create world-leading testing environments for advanced aviation systems and technologies, so we can safely develop more sustainable transport options and tackle some of the big challenges facing our people and planet.”
