Drone developments in LatAm, global A321F growth

In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editor Andrew Crider discuss watershed moments in the drone industry involving integration of unmanned aircraft systems into airspace.

In North America, Reliable Robotics submitted data gathered with NASA to validate the reliability of existing radar systems in ensuring the safe separation of unmanned and manned aircraft. The data promises to help regulators in the United States develop methods to integrate drones into the airspace.

In Brazil, Speedbird signed a partnership with Israel-based High Lander for the traffic management of its drones. The partnership will allow Speedbird to certify two of its drone types while prepping the company for expansion outside of Brazil.

Meanwhile, new operators continue to emerge with the A321F platform. Malaysia-based Raya Airways recently took its first, while a new carrier in Brazil intends to fly the type. BBAM signaled it would take up to ten A321Fs by yearend, and Global Crossing also specified the latest delivery timeline for its A321Fs.

Tune in for a discussion of these topics and more for the week ending April 28, 2023.