DRONES could be used in search-and-rescue operations, fisheries patrols and eventually as air taxis across the Channel Islands, Ports of Jersey has said as preparations continue for a trial of unmanned aircraft.
A delegation from Ports visited Guernsey last week to provide a technical briefing on the planned trial, which is expected to take place in spring 2024.
Last year, it was announced that Jersey had been chosen as a testbed for the UK-government-funded Agile Integrated Airspace System programme, which will see drones used to test cutting-edge aircraft-guidance technology.
The ultimate aim is for autonomous unmanned aircraft to be used across the UK and Europe.
Explaining why Ports of Jersey became involved in the project, Airport director Robin MacRae said: ‘We see ALIAS as a great opportunity, not just for Ports, but for the Channel Islands.
‘It will enable us to move essential medical supplies, bolster our search-and-rescue capability and eventually provide air taxi services with the Channel Islands.
‘Sustainability is also important to us. We want to make swift progress on the decarbonisation of aviation so we are keen to pursue opportunities to work with like-minded partners.’
During the trial, drones will be flown in 60 sq/km of low-traffic airspace about half a mile offshore and away from nature reserves.
The aircraft, which will use specialist guidance software from technology firm Volant Autonomy, will fly below 3,000 feet – a height well below commercial-aircraft flight paths.
Ports have confirmed that the drones will be fitted with cameras to film the trials but that no images will be taken of Islanders.
Drones have already been used in various parts of the UK to deliver supplies or assist in emergencies.
The craft delivered chemotherapy and prescription drugs to the Isle of Wight during the pandemic so that residents did not need to travel to the mainland.
The UK Coastguard has trialled using drones during search-and-rescue missions, and the Royal Mail is planning to deploy a fleet to deliver items to Shetland and other remote island communities.
