Airspace management platform AirMap is set to deploy UTM services in the Czech Republic in partnership with the Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic (ANS CR) and local service provider UpVision. All parties are working to deliver situational awareness and authorization capabilities for the Czech Republic’s growing community of drone operators.

Read more: AirMap and Skyguide Announce First National European UTM System

Starting with controlled airspace

ANS CR is using AirMap’s UTM solution to manage drone authorizations for flights in the controlled airspace around Václav Havel Airport, Prague.

Local drone operators using the AirMap mobile application can view up-to-date airspace conditions and regulations and create flight plans. The end goal will be for the app to be the gateway through which authorization requests are managed.  ANS CR administrators will manage authorization requests from the AirMap UTM Dashboard.

“Detection and integration of drones is a challenge,” said Jan Klas, ANS CR Director General. “We are pleased to deploy UTM services through the AirMap mobile application. ANS CR wants to build an open system that provides comprehensive information to all partners involved.”

Read more: Drone Industry Leaders: AirMap’s New CEO is an Optimist

Working with UpVision

ANS CR and AirMap are working with UpVision, a local drone service provider, in an effort to raise awareness of the UTM capabilities and how they can improve the Czech Republic’s growing drone ecosystem.

As well as providing customization of the AirMap for Drones application for use in the Czech Republic, UpVision will offer technical support for UTM services in the Czech Republic.

The move represents AirMap’s second nationwide play in Europe. The company has already deployed UTM technology alongside the Swiss aviation authority’s Skyguide. AirMap also powers UTM services in the United States, New Zealand, and Japan.

“By opening up more airspace we are helping give rise to a new drone economy,” said Ben Marcus, AirMap co-founder and Chairman. “The Czech Republic is among the global first movers in the race to capture a share of the tremendous opportunity that drones represent as they become more and more a part of our everyday lives.”