Terra Drone Amplifies Global UTM Presence with Strategic Investment in Aloft Technologies

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In a bold move to dominate the U.S. drone market and enhance global Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM) development, Terra Drone Corporation has become the largest shareholder of Aloft Technologies. This significant partnership marks Terra Drone’s aggressive expansion into the largest drone market in the world, aiming to revolutionize the way drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) integrate into our daily lives.

A Strategic Leap into the U.S. Market

Terra Drone, a front-runner in drone and AAM technology based in Japan, has officially announced its investment in Aloft Technologies, a leading entity in UTM and drone fleet management in the U.S. This investment not only makes Terra Drone the principal shareholder in Aloft but also brings Aloft into Terra Drone’s expanding family as an affiliate company.

With the addition of Yuki Ueno, Terra Drone’s UTM expert, to the Aloft board, the partnership is set to steer the future of drone operations and traffic management on a global scale.

The Vision for a Drone-Integrated Future

Terra Drone’s investment in Aloft is not just a business maneuver; it’s a step towards realizing a future where drones and AAMs are woven into the fabric of everyday life. The collaboration is positioned to pioneer the development of a seamless, efficient UTM system globally.

According to Toru Tokushige, Terra Drone’s CEO, the focus on UTM technology since the early days of drones underscores the importance of such systems for the integration of drones into societal frameworks, especially as drones and AAMs embark on a new phase of development.

Jon Hegranes, Founder and CEO of Aloft, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the collaboration’s potential to set new operational standards and enhance the efficiency and scope of drone flights internationally. This partnership promises to bring about a harmonized approach to drone operations, leveraging technology to scale up and sustain global drone activities.

U.S. vs. Japan: The Drone and AAM Landscape

The U.S. boasts significantly more registered drones and manned aircraft than Japan, underscoring the vast potential and the challenges of managing such a bustling airspace. The recent “Innovate 2028” plan by the FAA is a testament to the U.S. commitment to integrating advanced air mobility operations safely and efficiently. Aloft, with its robust platform used across major industries for drone operations management, is at the forefront of this technological evolution, powered by investments from giants like Boeing and Travelers Insurance.

A Platform for Mission-Critical Operations

Since its inception in 2015, Aloft has become the leading FAA-approved UAS service supplier, managing over 84% of all airspace authorizations. The platform’s cloud-based drone fleet management system enables comprehensive control over drone operations, from pre-flight to post-flight, ensuring automation and compliance. With SOC2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications, Aloft’s security measures are top-notch, making it the go-to platform for industries requiring critical drone operations management.

Terra Drone’s strategic investment in Aloft Technologies signifies a major leap forward in the global UTM ecosystem and the U.S. drone market. By combining their strengths, Terra Drone and Aloft are set to transform the landscape of drone and AAM operations, making the dream of a drone-integrated future a closer reality. This partnership not only underscores the growing significance of UTM systems but also positions Terra Drone and Aloft as key players in the global aviation industry’s evolution.

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