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So, the Future of Flight Action Plan is Out… Now what?

27th March 2024

Louisa Smith, Chief Aviation Officer

Future flight action plan graphic title below UK Future of Flight logo. With aeroplane, drone and helicopter icons. To the right is a picture of the front view of a large aircraft. The Department for Transport logo is in the top right corner.

UK Future of Flight Action Plan

The email notification popped up on my phone: The Future of Flight action plan has landed. Having quickly digested the slides, I wasn’t surprised by the content. It’s ambitious, for sure, but it’s also clearly needed. Excitement filled me, but scrolling through social media, it felt like the positivity surrounding this development was overshadowed by a sense of caution.

Here’s the thing: we’ve been asking for timelines, for concrete dates, and that’s exactly what the Future of Flight action plan delivers. It’s fantastic to finally have these targets in place. The dates might seem conservative to some and aggressive to others, but these dates, to me, are an appropriate mix of ambition and awareness of what it will take to get this working. The benefits — especially for critical services like the NHS — can’t wait another 5–10 years, patients and clinicians need access to the efficiency and speed that drone delivery offers. These dates mean more to me than just numbers on a page, I see this roadmap as ours; the industry, regulator, and government, our dates to own, ours to work together to ensure we hit the timelines.

Now, are there concerns? Absolutely — Safe integration with other airspace users in unsegregated airspace, public acceptance of scaled operations, and certification of technology that updates yearly to name a few. But it’s happening and this will open up a world of potential benefit if we get this right together. They’re not some futuristic pipe dream anymore. Remember those early days, the “what ifs” scribbled on the back of a napkin? We’ve well and truly graduated from that stage. Customers are chomping at the bit, the demand is real, and the pressure on the aviation industry is immense. The question isn’t “if” anymore, it’s “when.”

NHS rainbow branded drone with blue sky background. Text reads 'The plan" The delivery plan set out overleaf is a high-level summary of the major commitments and deliverables that need to be achieved on the way to reaching Strategic Outcomes'.

Apian’s image features in the action plan

The Future of Flight action plan might not be perfect, it might not address every single concern, but it’s a step forward. It’s a roadmap, a starting point for a conversation that needs to happen. We can’t let the fear of the unknown paralyse us.

This is our chance to shape the future of flight.

Let’s use this plan as a springboard for a constructive dialogue. Let’s identify the potential challenges, sure, but let’s also work together to find solutions. Let’s leverage the expertise of everyone in the industry, from regulators to pilots to those innovative minds who first dreamt of drone deliveries.

The future of flight is coming, and it’s up to us to make sure it takes off smoothly. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. The sky, as they say, is no longer the limit.

Soaring High: Celebrating Women in the Drone Industry on International Women's Day

8th March 2024

Louisa Smith, Chief Aviation Officer and Juliet Bauer, Chief Commercial Officer of Apian discuss why IWD is so important for women working in traditionally male dominated industries.

International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across all fields, and the drone industry is no exception. While traditionally dominated by men, an increasing number of women are taking to the skies, piloting drones, and shaping the future of this dynamic technology.

Breaking Barriers, Taking Flight

The drone industry offers a diverse range of exciting opportunities, from aerial photography to search and rescue operations, agricultural applications and on-demand medical delivery. Women are bringing their unique perspectives and skills to these various fields, pushing boundaries and making significant contributions.

Leading the Way

Several inspiring women are leading the charge in the drone industry. We have pioneering entrepreneurs like Gemma Alcock, who founded Skybound Rescuer, supporting the safe deployment of drones in the Emergency Services, and visionary leaders like Eszter Kovacs, who actively foster a platform for the drone community and champion diversity through initiatives like "Women Behind the Drone Revolution". These women are not only excelling in their own careers but also paving the way for others to follow.

Building a More Inclusive Future

Despite the progress made, there's still work to be done to achieve true gender equality in the drone industry. Mentoring programs such as https://altamentoring.com/ which is offering Mentoring for Women by Women in the Aviation and Aerospace Industry are great examples of initiatives which are crucial in encouraging women to develop their careers and provide support. Additionally, fostering inclusive work environments and combating unconscious bias are essential steps towards creating a more diverse and thriving drone industry.

Celebrating the Journey

On International Women's Day, we celebrate the women who are shaping the future of the drone industry. Their dedication, innovation, and resilience are an inspiration to all. As the industry continues to grow, we can look forward to even more women taking the lead, pushing boundaries, and soaring to new heights.

Let's continue to break down barriers and create a space where women can thrive in the drone industry, not just on International Women's Day, but every day.