NAV CANADA, Unifly partner to deploy national system to ensure safe UAS ops in Canada

February 27, 2020 | AUVSI News

Canada’s air navigation service provider NAV CANADA has entered into an agreement with Unifly to deploy a national system that provides digital services for the safe operations and management of drones in Canadian airspace.

Equipped with an intuitive user interface, the system, which is designed to support current regulations for drone flights within visual line of sight, will allow Canadian drone pilots to access web and mobile applications to perform various functions, including identifying safe and legal airspace, planning flights, and managing operations, pilots and fleet of drones.

“As one of the most innovative and world’s safest Air Navigation Service Providers, NAV CANADA has a deep understanding of the challenges that developing and implementing complex traffic management systems bring,” says Marc Kegelaers, CEO of Unifly.

“We are therefore very proud that NAV CANADA decided to partner with Unifly and strongly feel this agreement is a recognition of the value of our strategy. These past years we have not only developed our product but also organized our entire company to become the ideal partner for national Air Navigation Service Providers and Civil Aviation Authorities.”

The entities say that the process of requesting authorization to fly in controlled airspace is “easier and faster” for qualified drone pilots thanks to the fully digitized system. Airlines and general aviation pilots are also expected to benefit from the app, as it reduces the risk of accidental drone incursions.

Both the website and mobile app will be available in English, as well as French.

“After a thorough analysis of the market we selected Unifly based on their advanced technology and proven track record in numerous countries,” says Mark Cooper, senior vice president, ANS Technology, NAV CANADA.

“The new app is a key component of our national drone strategy and will further our dedication to air traffic safety and technological innovation in Canadian airspace.”