QUESTIONS relating to safety, the environment, privacy and regulation were raised by Islanders at a meeting to discuss the forthcoming trial of drone technology in Jersey.
The Agile Integrated Airspace System, known as ALIAS, is a two-year £3.7 million project to explore the potential future use of uncrewed aircraft.
The first in a series of public engagement sessions was co-hosted by Digital Jersey and Ports of Jersey, offering the chance for attendees to find out more about the project.
Dr Anthony Lawrenson, chief commercial officer of Volant Autonomy, the company behind ALIAS, was keen to address any safety concerns expressed by the audience.
He said: ‘The standards and the certification procedures are identical and, in some ways, exceed the requirements of current airspace.
‘It’s not just about achieving regulatory standards, there are obvious concerns from the public and it’s important that we’re not just being safe but being seen to be safe.’
Digital Jersey chief executive Tony Moretta said: ‘A lot of people didn’t really understand what the project was about – it’s not focused on future drone activity such as Amazon deliveries, or drones dropping out of the sky over our heads.
‘I think they also now understand that, if this works, there is a huge potential for improving connectivity.
‘I don’t mean passengers initially, but things like medical supplies and all sorts of other things.’
Airport director Robin MacRae said the move was the latest innovation by Ports of Jersey, following on from having the first digital control tower in Europe and a current trial of hydrogen-powered flights, which could come into operation as early as 2025.
Once safety, planning and regulatory approvals are in place, the ALIAS trial is set to take place during March and May 2024.
