Altitude Angel, a leading provider of Unified Traffic Management (UTM) technology, has announced the deployment of its Approval Services platform at Twente Airport, in collaboration with the drone innovation cluster Space53. This new platform will enable drone operators and, in the future, eVTOL pilots, to submit flight requests and pay for operations within Twente Airport’s airspace digitally.
Twente Airport is the first in the Netherlands to adopt this platform, which has already been implemented at international airports, regional aerodromes, and heliports across the UK. Known for its extensive terrain and large, managed airspace, Twente Airport serves as a test center for both crewed and uncrewed flight operations. It has recently hosted exercises by the Royal Netherlands Airforce, national police force, and Twente Fire & Rescue service.
“As our drone partners are increasingly conducting beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations within Twente Airport’s airspace, having just one source where the correct and real-time information can be found, showing both manned and unmanned activity, is crucial to ensure safety in and around the airport,” said Mike Holsheimer, program manager of Space53.
Gerben Groothuis of Twente Airport added, “Altitude Angel’s Approval Services platform gives us the certainty we need to allow drone activity alongside that of manned aircraft. As the need for more unmanned flights arises for eVTOL and drone operators, the Approval Services platform will allow us to scale up our operations quickly, easily, and safely.”
Paul deHaan, Altitude Angel NL Managing Director, commented, “Through the adoption of Approval Services, Twente Airport is enabling the next generation of airspace users without compromising existing operations. Crewed and uncrewed aircraft can share the same skies, safely and securely, if the right platforms and technology are deployed. Approval Services gives Twente Airport the flexibility to approve drone operations by allowing drone operators to submit flight plans within the airport’s controlled airspace quickly and securely, integrating traditional air traffic control systems with digital unified traffic management solutions.”
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