Unifly Demonstrates Blockchain-Backed UTM for Port Surveillance in Certiflight Project

Successful Validation at Port of Antwerp-Bruges Showcases Advanced Airspace Safety Solutions

Unifly, a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) technology company and part of Terra Drone Corporation (terra-drone.net), has successfully completed a port surveillance demonstration as part of the Certiflight project. Conducted at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB), one of Europe’s largest and busiest ports, this demonstration highlights the potential of blockchain-backed UTM solutions to enhance airspace safety and operational efficiency.

Certiflight: Enhancing Flight Data Authentication

Certiflight is the first Galileo-based U-Space initiative to utilize Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) technology. It aims to securely record low-altitude flight data, including drones and General Aviation flights, using blockchain. The system prevents data tampering by encrypting flight records and verifying location authenticity with Digital European Global Navigation Satellite System (EGNSS) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Unifly has participated in Certiflight since November 2022, providing its UTM system to improve accountability and safety in drone operations. By ensuring that flight data remains immutable, the system supports compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitates the widespread adoption of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. It also streamlines the approval process for drone flights, enabling air traffic controllers to verify and authorize flights more efficiently.

Port Surveillance Demonstration

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges was chosen as the test site due to its high-traffic airspace and complex operational environment. Unifly collaborated with local drone operator Sky Vision to conduct real-time surveillance and infrastructure inspections. Drones equipped with Certiflight’s technology captured images and videos to assist in debris management and structural assessments.

Key achievements of the demonstration include:

• Real-Time Flight Visualization: Unifly’s UTM platform displayed drone flight paths through its Tracking API, distinguishing authenticated tracking data from unauthenticated signals.
• Accurate Positioning and Security: OSNMA ensured reliable location data, preventing spoofing attempts, while blockchain technology safeguarded flight records from unauthorized modifications.
• Improved Regulatory Compliance: The system simplified flight approvals by transmitting authenticated flight data to certification portals, enabling seamless coordination with airspace regulators.

“The Certiflight demonstration at the PoAB is a pivotal moment for the project. It exemplifies how blockchain-backed UTM solutions can enhance safety, transparency, and accountability in complex environments. We’re proud to contribute to the future of autonomous aviation,” said Andres Van Swalm, CEO of Unifly.

Broader Applications and Future Developments

The port surveillance demonstration is part of Certiflight’s broader validation campaign, which includes tests in Belgium, Italy, and the Czech Republic. These trials evaluate the system’s performance across various operational environments and its interoperability with multiple U-space service providers.

Unifly and Terra Drone (Unifly.aero) plan to extend the application of blockchain-backed UTM technology to sectors beyond port operations, including urban air mobility and industrial inspection. By integrating digital authentication and automation, Certiflight aims to support the growing demand for secure and scalable drone operations worldwide.

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Read more:

• Unifly Unveils Preliminary Results of SecureUTM Project at BELSPO/ESA NAVISP Workshop
• Unifly Enables First Autonomous Petrochemical Sample Transport at Port of Antwerp
• Unifly, Terra Drone, and Aloft Technologies Forge Alliance for Global Air Traffic Management