Strategic Insights for Thriving in the Unmanned Traffic Management Ecosystem

PwC Drone Powered Solutions – Global Center of Excellence in Drone and Geospatial Technologies - is proud to announce the launch of the report series dedicated to the high paced drone sector development seen nowadays. The first selected topic is dedicated to the exploration of the Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) ecosystem, highlighting its pivotal role in enabling the drone sector.

The global report “Strategic Insights for Thriving in the Unmanned Traffic Management Ecosystem“ highlights the challenges and opportunities within the industry, providing insights into how public authorities, service providers, and other industry stakeholders can collaborate to shape a future where drones contribute significantly to a variety of industries, enhance service delivery, and open new avenues for innovation and growth.

Based on the developed market model and conducted estimations, the future landscape of our skies is foreseen to undergo a transformative change over the next five years. The expected dynamics will differ in different geographies, but the overall trend is clearly visible. The global UTM market is seen to double in size by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.4%. This growth is expected to propel the number of drone operations to an estimated 28 million, underscoring the urgent need for robust UTM systems to ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable integration of unmanned aircraft into the global airspace and air traffic.

Drone delivery is anticipated to be a principal driver for the UTM market scalability in the near future. However, the rise in drone deliveries highlights the need for innovative solutions in air traffic and airspace management. The same situation is applicable to other types of more advanced drone operations, the execution of which could be confronted by a range of additional challenges and obstacles that require robust and efficient solutions. 

Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from industry stakeholders - regulatory bodies, airspace managers, and technology and service providers. It involves not only technological advancements but also regulatory and operational agility to adapt to the rapidly evolving dynamics of aerial mobility. The UTM systems of the future will need to be flexible, scalable, and adaptable, capable of managing a complex and diverse range of aerial activities while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency. 

It is worth noting that the success of the UTM hinges also on the sustainability of its business model and the effective flow of money within the ecosystem. Understanding where and how money circulates in the UTM ecosystem is crucial for its longevity and efficacy. 

More details on the crucial enablers and drivers for the UTM, roles and interdependencies of stakeholders, key aspects to be analysed in the ecosystem money flow and other relevant strategic insight could be found in the report.