Unifly, a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) technology provider and a subsidiary of Terra Drone Corporation, has successfully executed a port surveillance demonstration as part of the Certiflight project. The trial, conducted at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB), one of Europe’s busiest ports, showcased how blockchain-supported UTM solutions can enhance operational efficiency and airspace security.
Certiflight represents the first Galileo-based U-Space initiative to incorporate Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) technology. Its primary goal is to securely document low-altitude flight data for drones and General Aviation flights by leveraging blockchain. This approach safeguards data integrity by encrypting flight records and verifying location authenticity using Digital European Global Navigation Satellite System (EGNSS) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
Enhancing Safety and Compliance with Blockchain
Unifly has been involved in the Certiflight project since November 2022, contributing its UTM system to strengthen accountability and safety in drone operations. By ensuring that flight data remains unalterable, the system aligns with regulatory standards and fosters the broader adoption of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone missions. It also facilitates a more efficient approval process for drone operations, allowing air traffic controllers to authorize and monitor flights with greater ease.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges was selected as the testing site due to its complex airspace and heavy traffic. Collaborating with local drone operator Sky Vision, Unifly carried out real-time surveillance and infrastructure inspections. Drones equipped with Certiflight technology collected visual data to assist with debris management and structural evaluations.
Key Achievements of the Demonstration
Real-Time Flight Monitoring: Unifly’s UTM platform visualized drone flight paths through its Tracking API, differentiating authenticated tracking data from unverified signals.
Enhanced Security and Accuracy: OSNMA technology ensured precise location data while preventing spoofing attempts, while blockchain secured flight records against unauthorized changes.
Regulatory Compliance Improvements: The system facilitated flight approvals by transmitting authenticated flight data to certification platforms, enabling seamless interaction with airspace authorities.
Unifly’s leadership emphasized the significance of the Certiflight demonstration at PoAB, noting that it underscored the potential of blockchain-based UTM solutions in improving transparency, safety, and accountability within complex operational environments. The demonstration is part of Certiflight’s larger validation campaign, which includes tests in Belgium, Italy, and the Czech Republic to assess the system’s performance across diverse operational settings and its compatibility with multiple U-space service providers.
Future Applications Beyond Port Surveillance
Unifly and Terra Drone plan to expand the use of blockchain-backed UTM technology beyond port monitoring to applications such as urban air mobility and industrial inspections. Through digital authentication and automation, Certiflight aims to support the increasing need for secure and scalable drone operations globally.
