Connected Places Catapult publishes droneport guidance document

Connected Places Catapult, the government's transport innovation agency, has published what is believed to be the first guidance document globally on the design and development of droneports – airports for delivery drones and flying taxis.  

Its Droneport Design and Development Framework anticipates that “delivery drones could become business as usual by 2030” with “large retail and logistics companies recognising the potential for increased efficiency, lower costs, and increased customer satisfaction”.

Connected Places Catapult says the report addresses a lack of guidance on the design and planning requirements for droneports, particularly for those providing a service for a variety of users.

The resulting document, developed in collaboration with sector players including Urban-Air Port and the Met Office together with a number of Local Authorities, aims to provide a top-level framework and provides guidance to designers, engineers, investors, Local Authorities, and all stakeholders on best practice in developing Droneport solutions.

The report covers planning, aviation regulation, stakeholder management, environmental factors, wildlife hazard management, emergency management, construction, surface and air access and both physical and cyber security.

Henry Tse, Connected Places Catapult’s Executive Director – New Mobility Technologies describes Droneport Design and Development Framework as a “first-of-kind” Guidance Document on best practice in developing droneport solutions and an “essential guide to the development of infrastructure for commercially viable drone services in our towns, cities and rural areas.”

Download the report here