Unmanned Traffic Management Market

[288 Pages Report] The Unmanned Traffic Management Market size is anticipated to reach USD 1,098 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 33.9% from USD 106 million in 2022.

The development of advanced HMI technologies is important for enabling the easy and intuitive control of drones by pilots and other users. There are several different approaches to HMI in drones, including the use of traditional controls such as joysticks and keyboards, as well as more advanced technologies such as voice control and gestures. In addition to traditional HMI technologies, the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is also being explored as a way to enable users to interact with drones in real time. This could allow for the real-time visualization of data from drones and the ability to control drones through intuitive gestures and movements. Overall, the development of advanced HMI technologies is an important aspect of UTM systems, as it allows for the easy and intuitive control of drones by pilots and other users and enables a wide range of applications.

Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Market Forecast to 2030

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Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Market Dynamics

Driver: Growing understanding of digitalization and its role within aviation industry

The new concept of the remote virtual tower has been introduced in the UTM Market. Remote virtual towers allow controllers to perform all functions of a control tower from anywhere in the world. These towers ensure streamlined access, reduced delays, and increased safety margins compared to non-towered airports. Airports and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) are considering the possibilities of advancements in visual observation aided by the introduction of ICAO’s Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS) ATM amendments. These amendments state that visual observation shall be achieved through direct out-of-the-window observation or indirect observation utilizing a visual surveillance system specifically approved for the purpose by the appropriate ATS authority. This would undoubtedly encourage several countries to implement remote and digital towers. These towers occupy a smaller footprint, cost less, are technically effective, and are often more resilient and secure in comparison to a conventional control tower. In addition, they can provide aerodrome control services for more than one aerodrome, where dedicated local air traffic services are not considered sustainable or cost effective. Disruption and change are often adopted without any real enthusiasm and implementing new things such as software into processes takes time because it impacts a lot of people, from the ground handler to the airport manager, but also the service providers. The aviation industry has been slow to adopt technologies such as IoT and AI etc. compared to other industries, however, digitalization can lead to major benefits at different levels. By digitalizing their processes, airliners and airports can enhance the efficiency of their operations management by improving employee productivity, reduce costs by saving time and money both on and off the ground and therefore improve the customer experience

Restraints: Government regulations

While innovation in technologies is required to support the UTM concept, the largest hurdle to full drone deployment in most countries remains regulation. Drones are allowed in the United States for recreational and commercial use, subject to FAA and local regulations. International regulations and standards require that any new system, procedure, or operation that has an impact on the safety of ATM operations shall be subject to a risk assessment and mitigation process to support its safe introduction and operation. The flying of drones in the airspace of different countries primarily depends on obtaining approval from the respective governments and the regulations formulated by them to ensure proper air traffic management, sufficient data support, effective controller training, and social adaptability drones by the population in those countries.

Governments of different countries across the world are making efforts to enhance their capabilities by developing new technologies for drones or carrying out advancements in the existing technologies used in drones. However, these technologies need to comply with country-wise drone regulations and be capable of controlling drones in a regulated environment. Thus, huge investments are required for the R&D and procurement of drones based on advanced technologies. Suppose the cost incurred in the development of drone infrastructure outweighs the benefits offered by drones. In that case, it will become difficult for governments of different countries to make changes in their existing policies to enable the use of drones in various applications. The cost of developing the drone infrastructure, along with political issues to obtain the required approvals for the development of drone ecosystems, acts as an uncertainty to the growth of this market.

Opportunities: UAS service suppliers

A UAS Service Supplier (USS) will be responsible for managing a UTM system's essential functioning (USS). Although the USS's function is still being developed, they will be commercial organizations under the authority and supervision of a government organisation, such as the FAA. All other stakeholders, including drone operators, hobbyists, air traffic control, law enforcement, and the general public, would converge at the USS to get situational awareness surrounding unmanned aircraft. Additionally, USS will offer commercial drone operators essential data such as geo-fencing, real-time aircraft tracking, conflict advisors, UAS identification, and airspace authorization. The ideal USS will provide an independent, highly automated and scalable system that will manage and monitor drone flights, as well as factor in inputs from external sources such as terrain, weather, and air traffic control, making this data available to all commercial drone operators or service providers. In addition, the USS will send notifications to external stakeholders such as public safety and state agencies..

Challenges:  Interaction of UTM and ATM

Drones can perform a wide range of functions and are available in several sizes and shapes. UAS operate at altitudes from close to the surface to the edge of the space and range in weight from a few grams to several tonnes. While a few UAS can fly at very high speeds, some can only do it at very low speeds, and a few can remain in the air for days. Drones are being taken into consideration independently from aircraft that can operate under instrument flight regulations (IFR) and can fly in a controlled airspace. Aircraft are capable of interacting with air navigation service providers (ANSPs) in a manner similar to traditional manned aircraft (i.e., on an IFR flight plan), which are certified by a regulator and flown with a licensed pilot directly involved with flight operations and are referred to as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). The experience of RPAS operations and their interaction with the ATM system indicates that currently, RPAS are unable to comply with many standards, routine ATM procedures. This has not prevented RPAS operations but has limited their integration due to special activity airspace, altitude reservations, or other airspace separations. Thus, RPAS operators are now seeking greater freedom of access to airspace, and this will increasingly interact with the wider ATM system.

Smaller UAS known as drones frequently fly at lower altitudes than RPAS. A large numbers of drones flying in or near controlled airspace daily could make it difficult for ANSPs to maintain separation of UAS from manned and other unmanned aircraft in the non-segregated airspace. The effectiveness and safety of ATMs could be affected by this. For instance, local ANSPs express safety concerns about drone operations at low altitudes close to airports. Speed, maneuverability, climb rate, performance traits, and avionic system equipage may be significantly different from conventional aircraft, necessitating future adjustments to ATM regulations and procedures. A key factor in safely integrating unmanned technology in non-segregated airspace is the ability for a drone to perform in a predictable manner and that there shall always be a pilot in command of the operation. However, it is assumed that, in the future, there will be a higher degree of automation. Should that be the case, the control of UAS, the interaction of UAS with other users of the airspace, and the interaction of UAS with present or future air traffic management systems, by means of non-human entities should also demonstrate equivalence with all the rules and safety thresholds established for flying, certifying, and equipping aircraft..

Software segment of the unmanned traffic management market is projected to witness the largest market share during forecast period.

Based on component, the unmanned traffic management market has been segmented into solutions, software, and services. The software segment is estimated to lead the market. Based on software type, the unmanned traffic management component market is segmented into flight planning, fleet operation & management, data capture, and others, which include computer vision and navigation, and software development kits (SDKs). These software for drones enable the user to control the flight from devices such as smartphones, tablets, or controllers. Being present on the site helps the drone pilot to make improvements in the flight path or flight pattern. Commercial drones are bound to a specific operational range, due to which a controller, mobile, or tablet can be easily used to control their operation. A majority of drone software are cloud-based and provide ease of access from any device. This enables users to view videos and pictures in real time. Application software is practical for drones that are used in remote areas or places where carrying a desktop station is not possible; for instance, surveying a hazardous material accident, water sampling using drones, or using drones in archaeology or wildlife photography.

Commercial segment of the unmanned traffic management market is projected to witness the largest market share during the forecast period.

Based on end-user, the unmanned traffic management market has been classified into commercial and government & law. Consumer drones have become popular among prosumers and hobbyists, vloggers, and videographers worldwide. This is because these drones are cost-effective and offer high-resolution wide-angle photography. The need for UTM has become more critical to ensure the safe and secure use of airspace. UTM provides a platform for commercial drone operators to plan and authorize their flights, considering airspace restrictions, weather conditions, and other factors. It also provides a way for drones to be remotely identified and for their operators to be authenticated. This is important for ensuring the safety of other airspace users, such as users of manned aircraft, and for complying with regulations.

Based on type, the Persistent segment is estimated to lead the unmanned traffic management market from 2022 to 2030.

Based on type, the unmanned traffic management market has been segmented into persistent UTM and non-persistent UTM. The persistent UTM segment is estimated to lead the market as it can provide a high level of safety and security for drone operations. Persistent UTM refers to a system that provides continuous and long-term monitoring, control, and management of drone flights. A persistent UTM system would typically include a wide range of capabilities such as flight planning, communication, navigation, surveillance, and separation assurance, which are provided through a network of ground-based and airborne systems. These capabilities allow for the continuous monitoring and control of drone flights, enabling the safe and efficient operation of drones in the airspace.

The Europe market is projected to contribute the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030 in the unmanned traffic management market

The UTM market in Europe is projected to grow at highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030 owing to the increasing demand for drones for various applications in the region. As the geopolitical situation in this region is unstable, a number of countries in Europe are focusing on increasing their defensive capabilities. The prevailing trend of the procurement of drones by emerging economies such as the UK, Germany, and France is expected to drive the growth of the UTM market in Europe in the coming years.

Over the past few years, countries in the European region have been focused on the development of new and advanced technologies for use in UAV payloads, UAV ground control stations (GCS), and UAV data links. The European Commission is working toward amending the existing rules regarding UAVs. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has formulated regulations for drones that weigh above 150 kilograms. With the recent focus on the air traffic management of drones, the European Commission has introduced an initiative known as U-Space, which is described as an efficient framework for all individuals and businesses to operate UAS at low altitudes. U-Space helps automate operations of UAS that fly over long distances. In addition, SESAR Joint Undertaking, a European public-private partnership, funded a project known as CLear Air Situation for uaS (CLASS), which is spearheaded by Airbus Defense and Space. Such developments undertaken in the field of UTM are projected to drive the growth of the unmanned traffic management industry in the European region.

Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Market by Region

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The break-up of the profile of primary participants in the unmanned traffic management market:

• By Company Type: Tier 1 – 35%, Tier 2 – 45%, and Tier 3 – 20%
• By Designation: C Level – 35%, Director Level – 25%, and Others – 40%
• By Region: North America – 45%, Europe – 20%, Asia Pacific – 30%, ROW-5%

Top Unmanned Traffic Management Companies - Key Market Players

The Unmanned Traffic Management Companies are mainly resorted to government funding, and R&D expenditure to drive their growth. They also entered new markets by launching technologically advanced and cost-effective software, and services. Altitude Angel (UK). Thales Group (France), AirMap, Inc. (US), Airbus (Netherlands), and ANRA Technologies (US) are a few of the leading players in the market who adopted this strategy. An increase in the demand for advanced unmanned traffic management services and the growth of emerging markets has encouraged companies to adopt this strategy to enter new regions.

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Scope of the Report

Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Market Highlights

The study categorizes the unmanned traffic management market based on component, type, end-user, and application and region.

Recent Developments

• In December 2022, Altitude Angel announced a partnership with SAAB Group on Digital Tower technology. With the formal partnership agreement in place, Altitude Angel will begin integrating its GuardianUTM services into the r-TWR digital tower solution offered by Saab, allowing ANSPs and appropriate stakeholders to digitally authorize and manage uncrewed flights in conjunction with crewed flights, directly communicating authorization, clearance, and in-flight instructions to provide the enhanced situational awareness of drone operations.
• In December 2022, OneSky announced that Supernal has signed on to be a member of the OneSky Future of Flight program. OneSky and Supernal will work together to combine the power of OneSky’s airspace situational awareness, operations planning and simulation, and UTM/PSU solutions with Supernal’s expertise in eVTOL platform manufacturing and operations.
• In November 2022, ANRA Technologies won a contract to demonstrate the ability to collect, aggregate, and retransmit Broadcast Remote ID (B-RID) messages. ANRA will convert these B-RID messages to Network Remote ID (N-RID) messages that can be shared in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Service Supplier (USS) Network. This FAA-funded project will test and validate advanced air traffic management functions for UAS to safely operate in conformance with the FAA Remote Identification Final Rule requiring the remote identification of uncrewed aircraft in the United States airspace.
• In November 2022, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a Raytheon Technologies business, in collaboration with the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, or MAAP, and the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to participate in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM) field test. As a part of this effort, the team will conduct UTM flight tests in complex environments.
• In December 2021, DroneUp, LLC, the drone flight services innovator and aviation technology provider, announced it has acquired AirMap, Inc., the digital airspace and automation company serving the global aerospace economy.

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