Morning, Monday, 31st March 2025
Online
This conference will examine the future of the UK drone industry and priorities for supporting innovation and growth in the sector.
It will be an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss next steps for policy and regulation, including the implementation of the Civil Aviation Authority’s plan to deliver scalable and routine BVLOS drone operations by 2028, and priorities for the demonstration phase moving into 2025.
Delegates will look at implications of proposed airspace modernisation for drone use, in light of the ongoing consultation by the CAA and DfT into the creation, scope, and funding of a UK Airspace Design Service.
Further discussion is expected on the progress of the DfT’s UK Future of Flight Action Plan, including priorities for the Government, CAA, and industry for achieving strategic outcomes, including development of legal and regulatory frameworks and next steps for testing emerging use cases.
Delegates will assess priorities for the Regulatory Innovation Office for supporting innovation in the sector, including approaches for both industry and regulatory bodies to enable wider commercialisation and drone use cases. We also expect discussion on challenges related to investment and innovation within the drone sector, including the future of UKRI’s Future Flight Challenge initiative, strategies to develop a more supportive investment climate, and the way forward for promoting safety and public acceptance.
