DFS invests in Unifly NV

Created on 18.02.2019 08:53

DFS invests in Unifly NV

Through its subsidiary DFS International Business Services GmbH (DFS IBS), DFS has acquired a 23.3 percent share in the Belgian software company Unifly NV. This investment forms the basis for the joint development and implementation of the first European operational air traffic management system for unmanned aircraft systems in 2019.  In this way, DFS is expanding its leading role in implementing modern Unmanned aircraft systems technology.

“With this purchase, we have substantially enhanced our software development competence. This is a strategic success factor for the digital future of DFS, in particular for positioning ourselves in unmanned aviation”, said Klaus Dieter Scheurle, CEO of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung.

This acquisition will allow DFS to continue its activities for the integration of manned and unmanned aviation. The successes of 2018 have been impressive. In June, the first controlled drone flight at an international airport was conducted in Frankfurt. Together with Fraport, DFS successfully tested unmanned aircraft systems to monitor progress at the Terminal 3 building site.

In addition, drone tracking has been optimised in various trials. Legally required flights along various infrastructure lines such as gas pipelines can now be conducted by drones instead of by helicopter, which means the commitment of DFS will soon find a practical application.

Furthermore, DFS has tested drones for inspecting its own systems. At Hannover Airport, the company used a drone to calibrate its instrument landing system. Such calibrations are required by law and are used to check the precision and availability of air navigation services facilities at regular intervals.

“With the purchase of Unifly, we are pursuing the course we embarked on during the past few years”, said Klaus-Dieter Scheurle. “In a European comparison, we want to be the clear leader in this digital challenge. We are now one big step closer to our goal, the harmonious and, above all, safe integration of manned and unmanned aviation.”

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