Altitude Angel, the world’s leading UTM (Unified Traffic Management) technology provider, today announced Marina de Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve coast is deploying its Approval Services platform which allows drone operators, and in the future eVTOL pilots, the ability to request and pay for operations within the marina digitally and at the touch of a button.
Altitude Angel’s Approval Services platform, already widely used across the UK at airports, heliports, aerodromes and large private estates, allows drone operators to submit flight plans, which will involve taking off and landing within the marina, and facilitates any charges the marina has in place when a flight is approved.
Under the new platform, drone operators will be able to request access to land digitally via the Drone Assist app or via DroneSafetyMap.com and in some instances will be able to receive near – instant approval.
With over 470 berths, Marina de Lagos is one the busiest and most popular marinas in Portugal. Currently, drone operations within the marina are predominantly recreational, with operators using drones to film and photograph their boats. However, the team at Marina de Lagos is planning to introduce additional services for the benefit of the marina users using drones, including ‘shore to ship’ deliveries. The introduction of Altitude Angel’s Approval Services will provide the marina with a far greater understanding of who and what is in the airspace above and around the marina.
On Approval Services being deployed at Marina de Lagos Chris Forster, Altitude Angel, Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is great news, not just for the team at Marina de Lagos, but for marinas and harbours across Europe and beyond. As drones are being used more frequently, either recreationally or by businesses to provide additional services, the need for a greater understanding of shared airspace grows. The introduction of Approval Services will give Marina de Lagos the understanding and clarity they need to manage drone operations around the marina safely and securely.”
Martinho Fortunato, Marina de Lagos, CEO, added: “We at Marina de Lagos are always looking at ways we can improve the safety and comfort of our clients as well as the quality of our services and innovation. Partnering with Altitude Angel to develop airspace controls over and around a marina, the first in Portugal to do so, is something we’re excited to be introducing and we look forward to sharing our experiences with the wider marina community in the coming months.”
