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The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg has developed a comprehensive strategy for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) aimed at making the metropolitan region a leading location for innovative drone technologies by 2030. This strategy was created through a participatory process involving numerous stakeholders from science, business, and administration. The Authority for Economy, Labor, and Innovation (BWAI) has taken the initiative and, in collaboration with the Cluster Hamburg Aviation e.V. and the drone network Windrove, developed a concept to promote the integration of drone technologies into urban spaces.
Strategic Goals and Areas of Action
The UAM strategy pursues several central goals. These include the safe and socially accepted integration of drone technologies into Hamburg’s airspace. The strategy defines six areas of action focusing on application areas, technologies, infrastructure, financing, training and education, and regulation. Special attention is given to the social acceptance and ecological compatibility of drone operations, which are considered fundamental premises for the implementation of the strategy.
The strategy envisions the use of drones in various fields, including logistics, infrastructure monitoring, and disaster relief. To promote acceptance among the population, transparent communication and early involvement of citizens in decision-making processes are planned. Additionally, drone operations are to be designed to be resource-efficient and low-emission.
Cooperation and Innovation Promotion
A central aspect of the strategy is the promotion of cooperation between companies, research institutions, and public actors. By establishing a drone hub, synergies are to be utilized and cost advantages achieved. This hub will serve as a central point of contact for drone operations and ensure data availability for all participating organizations.
The BWAI also plans to advance the development of test areas for drone flights to test innovative technologies under real conditions. These test areas are crucial for developing safety standards and integrating drones into the airspace over Hamburg, which is particularly complex due to its proximity to two commercial airports.
Regulatory Challenges and Safety Aspects
The UAM strategy also addresses the regulatory challenges associated with integrating drones into urban airspace. The BWAI works closely with national and European institutions to shape the legal framework for drone operations. An important component of the strategy is the development of a traffic management system for drones, which aims to ensure the safe coordination of drone flights in urban areas.
