NATS Services and Altitude Angel launch drone flight approval service at Aberdeen International Airport

Drone operators can now more easily access the airspace around Aberdeen, thanks to a digital flight approval service unveiled by the air traffic management service, NATS Services. 

Drone pilots wanting to fly in or through the Flight Restriction Zone around the Aberdeen International Airport can now request access at the touch of a button. Operators can submit flight plans online or via the Altitude Angel Drone Assist app, which are then reviewed, approved or amended by the air traffic control team in as little as a few minutes. The service replaces a manual process which could sometimes take 14 days or more.

NATS Services hopes this will deliver both greater speed and certainty for drone operators and help to better process their requests, all while maintaining safety and situational awareness of what’s in the airspace.  

The introduction of the digital flight Approval Services platform at Aberdeen is the first at an airport where NATS Services also provides the air traffic service and represents another step towards delivering a fully integrated airspace, where drones can operate safely and seamlessly alongside other aircraft.  

Richard Ellis, NATS Services New Airspace Users Director, said: “We want to continue to support drone operators in and around Aberdeen airport, but they need certainty and a level of immediacy we couldn’t offer using the previous process. They will now be able to submit flight plans quickly and securely and get flying, while our controllers will continue to know exactly what is in the airspace around them at all times.”  

Chris Forster, Altitude Angel, Chief Operating Officer, added: “We are excited to be able to help enable more drone operations within the FRZ at Aberdeen, giving the airport and their existing drone users an understanding of the airspace and who is operating within it, so everyone can fly safely and securely.” 

Fiona Smith, AGS Airports, Sustainability Director, said “We have worked hand in hand with NATS over the years to ensure the safe integration of drone flights in and around the airport. We are delighted that this new safety enhancing tool will be rolled out at Aberdeen International Airport.” 

The new paid for service is aimed primarily at commercial drone operators who need speed and certainty to support their businesses. A free service for hobbyist drone pilots who are willing to wait 14 days or more for their flight plan to be processed, will also be available. 

NATS Services also expects to be able to extend the service to other airports where it provides the air traffic service in the coming months.