A test and development area is to be created in the city of Liverpool as part of a program to introduce drone services in the UK.
The trials in Liverpool will be the first in a series of ten projects that are part of the Phoenix program, which is being conducted by consultancy the Drone Major Group with regional partners to deploy drones across all environments – surface, underwater, air and space – in several sectors.
The project which will be delivered in partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) and involves the Peel Ports Group, LogisticsUK, SP Energy Networks, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
Robert Garbett, founder of Drone Major Group said, “Drones represent an unprecedented growth opportunity across a huge number of global industries. Liverpool City Region has clearly demonstrated its commendable intent to adopt a sustainable and commercially viable drone technology system for the City, ahead of the curve, which sets an example to all.
“The potential for this collaborative initiative is vast. It enables cities, regions and industries to achieve their potential and will create an overwhelmingly positive impact on UK, and indeed world economic growth through enhanced commerce, employment, skills, education and decarbonisation.”
As part of the testing, operational drone capabilities will be delivered in the fields of urban logistics, the environment, security, maritime logistics, port and maritime, and the wider community.
All projects within the Phoenix programme will share a common operational model and advanced data analysis to ensure that progress accelerates exponentially.
Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram of the Liverpool City Region said, “It’s fantastic to see the Drone Major Group recognising that by choosing to open their test and development area here. This project will attract people to our area not just to work but to study too, knowing that we are working on cutting edge and exciting projects.”
