Unifly Joins European Project to Improve Airspace Integration for Drones and Aircraft

Part of the SESAR 3 ENSURE initiative, Unifly helps connect drone traffic management with traditional air traffic control.

Unifly, a leading provider of drone traffic management systems and a group company of Terra Drone Corporation, is now part of a major European airspace project. The ENSURE project, led by the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking, is working to safely integrate drone operations with manned aircraft in Europe’s skies.

The rapid growth in commercial drone use has increased the need for effective airspace management. In Europe, efforts are underway to launch U-space, a system designed to manage drone traffic. For airspace to remain safe, U-space must work smoothly with current Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems. That’s where ENSURE comes in.

Bridging the Gap Between U-space and ATM

The goal of ENSURE is to help drones and traditional aircraft safely share the skies. The project builds on previous SESAR efforts like CORUS-XUAM and EUREKA. One of ENSURE’s key innovations is Dynamic Airspace Reconfiguration (DAR). DAR allows airspace to adjust in real time to changes in drone or aircraft activity.

Led by Spanish tech provider INDRA, ENSURE includes top aviation players such as Airbus, EUROCONTROL, ENAV, and Unifly. Together, they aim to:

• Standardize data sharing and communication between ATM and U-space

• Give air traffic controllers and drone operators better situational awareness

• Develop and test DAR tools for real-time coordination

• Address rules and safety needs for operating drones in controlled airspace

Unifly’s Role in the ENSURE Project

As a global expert in UAS Traffic Management (UTM), Unifly will play a key part in developing and testing services that allow drones and traditional air traffic systems to coordinate in real time. The company will also contribute to the technical work of setting a standardized interface between U-space and existing Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems, ensuring compliance with evolving European regulations. In addition, Unifly will participate in simulations and validation exercises to evaluate Dynamic Airspace Reconfiguration (DAR) systems. These activities will help build a more flexible and responsive airspace management framework. Unifly is also supporting the deployment of digital tools that improve the overall safety and efficiency of drone operations within controlled airspace.

Looking Ahead: ENSURE in 2025

ENSURE plans to demonstrate how U-space and ATM systems can work together later this year. These demonstrations will show how DAR can manage airspace in busy areas.

To encourage open discussion and cooperation, ENSURE will host an Open Day on May 28, 2025, at Tern Systems in Iceland. Unifly will present its latest UTM technologies, showing how they support digital and automated airspace systems across Europe.

“Unifly will remain committed to contributing to the establishment of future airspace management, where drones and manned aircraft coexist,” the press release states.

About the Companies

Unifly NV is a leader in aviation tech. Its platform helps next-generation aircraft safely enter the airspace. The company’s UTM systems have been used in more than ten countries.

Terra Drone Corporation, based in Japan, is a global force in drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). It supports industries like oil and gas, construction, energy, and agriculture. Terra Drone acquired Unifly in 2023 and recently invested in U.S.-based Aloft Technologies. In 2024, the company topped the Global Drone Service Provider Rankings.

For more information, visit unifly.aero or terra-drone.net.

Want DRONELIFE news delivered to your inbox every weekday?  Sign up here.

Read more:

• Unifly Demonstrates Blockchain-Backed UTM for Port Surveillance in Certiflight Project
• Unifly Unveils Preliminary Results of SecureUTM Project at BELSPO/ESA NAVISP Workshop
• Terra Drone Agri Partners with Malaysian Training Center to Support Drone Pilot Jobs