Altitude Angel, the world’s leading UTM (Unified Traffic Management) technology provider, has announced The London Heliport is deploying its Approval Services platform which allows drone operators, and in the future eVTOL pilots, the ability to request and pay for operations within the heliport’s airspace digitally and at the touch of a button.

From 14th August, Approval Services, described on its launch by Aviation Minister Baroness Vere, as ‘a key step to [the UK] achieving its ambitious outcomes we are setting through the Future of Flight Industry Group’, allows drone operators to submit flight plans, which take place in part wholly or in part, within The London Heliport’s FRZ, quickly and securely, as well as facilitating any charges the heliport has in place when a flight is approved.

Prior to the introduction of Approval Services, Altitude Angel has been providing The London Heliport with a combined view of the airspace in the vicinity of its FRZ (flight restriction zone), enabling the heliport to digitally approve or decline operations from drone companies and drone operators, using Altitude Angel’s proven digital authorisation and flight management technology.

The London Heliport has a rich tradition of pioneering aviation dating back over 60 years, beginning operations in 1959.  Now, it is the only CAA licensed heliport in London and provides an essential service to the business community and local emergency services, such as the London Air Ambulance (HEMS).

On the deployment of Altitude Angel’s Approval Services platform at The London Heliport, Chris Forster, Altitude Angel, Chief Operating Officer, said: “The London Heliport has a special place in the history of aviation and Altitude Angel is incredibly proud to be part of a new chapter in the heliport’s continued development. The drone and urban air mobility industries will be part of a new aviation ecosystem which can advantage of the heliports unique central London location.”

Matthew Rice, The London Heliport, Operations Manager added: “The heliport’s location is a prime area for drone activity and within its FRZ, will have over 500 authorised drone flights a year. Managing these applications and having an overall picture of what is going on day to day has always been a challenge. This is why our relationship with Altitude Angel has been pivotal in having a robust application process that helps us to monitor and process them easily.

“’Situational Awareness’ allows our Air Traffic Control to have a better understanding of what activity is planned and approved within the FRZ on the day. This helps us to try and achieve our ultimate goal of ensuring all helicopters operating in and out of the heliport are made aware of any drone operations and kept safe.”