Estonia revolutionises drone flying as FREQUENTIS state-of-the-art UTM suite is put into operation

Drone operators in Estonia can now fully utilise the Frequentis UTM suite covering services and applications, implemented for Estonian Air Navigation Services (EANS). Users now have access to up-to-date drone flight information, can register themselves as operators and securely exchange data, monitor airspace conditions, file flight plans, and even apply for take-off clearance. This solution marks a significant milestone in the development of uncrewed aviation services in Estonia and will transform the drone flying experience.

“Uncrewed aviation and drone markets are growing fast. The UTM suite will support the development of uncrewed aviation, and this will enable drone services to thrive as we are able to increase efficient and safe access to the airspace. Frequentis was able to put the system into operation in just seven months,” says Ivar Värk, CEO of Estonian Air Navigation Services.

EANS is on track to be the common information services (CIS) CIS provider in Estoina and the newly implemented, cloud-based Frequentis UTM suite facilitates a CIS environment for all uncrewed aviation stakeholders. Its secure open protocol ensures seamless data exchange between government authorities, entrepreneurs, and drone operators. A standout feature of the new system is the drone map, which provides valuable insights into permanent and temporary flight restriction zones, permitted flight altitudes, flight registrations, and airspace monitoring.

“The launch of the Frequentis UTM suite in Estonia is a significant milestone within the country’s drone industry and the system can scale with demand. With an open, clear, and simple solution, we are committed to supporting the safe and efficient integration of drones while fostering innovation and economic growth,” says Hannu Juurakku, Executive Vice President Frequentis ATM Civil and Chairman of the ATM Executive Board. “We are dedicated to continuously refining and expanding the UTM system capabilities, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the uncrewed aviation domain, including the ability to integrate new services.”

The Frequentis UTM suite is available as a user-friendly and interactive web portal, and soon as a mobile app, consisting of the UTM Operation Manager to enhance airspace safety and efficiency for drone operators and the UTM Airspace Manager application for air traffic controllers (ATCOs) to enhance safety and situational awareness. This ensures that both drone operators and ATCOs have a comprehensive understanding of their operating environment. The coordination of drone flights between the operator and ATCOs was first implemented in Tallinn, due to the proximity of Estonia’s largest airport. Developments to implement the same service near regional airports is ongoing, as is adding new features to the software.

Frequentis has been working together with EANS and other Nordics and Baltics stakeholders on the SESAR Gulf of Finland (GOF) and GOF 2 projects, exploring the safe integration of drones, trialling and validating use cases in line with U-space regulatory framework.