The roadmap for the safe integration of autonomous aircraft. Credit: Airbus.

Airbus has unveiled plans for the safe and efficient integration of drones or autonomous aircraft into airspace.

‘Blueprint for the Sky: The Roadmap for the Safe Integration of Autonomous Aircraft’ has been released by Airbus’ Silicon Valley-based unit A³ unmanned traffic management (UTM) project called Altiscope.

The Blueprint comprises several topics including information, rules and procedures needed to safely integrate drones, and ultimately support a new age in the aviation industry.

It also underlines the importance of collaboration by all parties involved in the process.

The roles of stakeholder, air traffic configuration and system architecture are also included in the Blueprint.

Several independent parties, including representatives from International Air Transport Association (IATA), National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Global UTM Association (GUTMA), World Economic Forum and New Zealand Ministry of Transport have reviewed the Blueprint.

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Airbus CEO Tom Enders said: “This blueprint is a roadmap for collaboration and cooperation that puts safety on an equal footing with technological advancement.

“It supports policies and rulemaking that can regulate autonomous operations to ensure that air transport remains as safe tomorrow as it is today.”

“It supports policies and rulemaking that can regulate autonomous operations to ensure that air transport remains as safe tomorrow as it is today.”

Airbus is currently trialing small cargo drones and self-piloting electrical vehicles to carry goods and people faster and more efficiently.

The company further noted that the commercial air traffic is expected to double in the next 15 years and hence the sky is set to become busier than before.

Around 25,000 manned flights are also projected to be added in the air at any given time and they will be joined by a vast network of unmanned, autonomous aircraft.

This proliferation of aircraft will also bring the issue of safety, which should be addressed as early as possible, said Airbus.