Harmonized Skies 2025: Swiss Drone Industry Insights and U-space Progress

We participated in GUTMA’s Harmonized Skies 2025 on 4–5 November in Zurich, a milestone event uniting global Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) leaders. Over two days of panels and demos, experts shared updates on Europe’s U-space rollout, cross-border drone operations and new standards – providing valuable context and opportunities for Switzerland’s drone ecosystem.

Building a True Low-Altitude Economy: Event Highlights

Hosted by the Global UTM Association (GUTMA) in cooperation with Switzerland’s Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and local partners, Harmonized Skies 2025 convened regulators, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), U-space service providers (USSPs), manufacturers, and researchers from across Europe. The theme “Building a True Low-Altitude Economy” set the tone, emphasizing safe integration of drones into everyday airspace and commerce.

Day 1 opened with a deep dive into Zurich’s U-space “soft launch” – a live showcase of the city’s early U-space implementation efforts. This session outlined the local UTM ecosystem’s context and stakeholders, demonstrating how Zurich is serving as a testbed for digital airspace management. Attendees learned how FOCA and industry partners have begun trialing U-space services in Zurich, including real-time drone tracking and automated flight authorization, as part of Switzerland’s path toward nationwide deployment. A Q&A followed, underlining Swiss authorities’ commitment to collaboration and transparency in rolling out U-space.

Throughout the conference, high-level panels and fireside chats explored global and regional developments shaping drone integration. Key themes included:

Regulation and Standards: Updates on drone regulations at national, EU and global levels, and how new standards are enabling interoperability. Speakers noted that EASA’s U-space regulatory framework is now in force across Europe, but implementation varies by country. Common standards – like ASTM’s specifications for Remote ID and UTM interfaces – were highlighted as critical to ensure different U-space systems can work together. GUTMA’s newly published template for operator-to-USP Service Level Agreements (SLA) was one concrete output, aiming to harmonize how drone operators and U-space providers cooperate across borders.
UTM Deployment & Cross-Border Interoperability: The status of U-space rollout in Europe and the push for cross-border coordination. Several EU states have designated U-space airspaces, but uptake of services remains gradual, tied to regulatory complexities and unclear business models. Panelists underscored the need to expand U-space deployments and ensure interoperability between countries. Notably, recent SESAR demo projects have proven cross-border UTM concepts – for example, the BURDI initiative delivered the first bi-national U-space design spanning Belgium and the Netherlands, a pioneering step toward seamless European drone corridors.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) & Tech Enablers: Achieving routine BVLOS operations at scale was a recurring topic. Industry showcased progress in detect-and-avoid systems, networked geo-awareness, and 5G communication for drones. Successful trials – from medical drone deliveries to urban air mobility demos – show that technically, long-range flights are feasible. The remaining challenges lie in safety assurance (e.g. certifying DAA sensors) and airspace management for high-density drone traffic. Experts stressed that automation and data-driven deconfliction will be essential as drone numbers grow.
Security, Data & Trust: As UTM digital services mature, cybersecurity and data protection have become central concerns. Sessions addressed how to implement robust identification (Remote ID) and authentication of drones in U-space, without compromising privacy. European standards bodies (like EUROCAE) are working to fill gaps in Remote ID specs to ensure a trusted framework that law enforcement and the public can rely on. Building public trust was also discussed – including engaging local communities to improve the social acceptance of drone operations.
Integration with Aviation & Infrastructure: How drones will interface with traditional aviation, public safety agencies, and critical infrastructure was another focus. Participants shared lessons from integrating U-space with airport operations and emergency response. For instance, one case study showed how multi-USSP coordination via a Common Information Service (CIS) allowed authorities to approve or reject drone flight plans in real time – a big step for integrating drones around airports. At the same time, counter-UAS measures were acknowledged as a necessary complement to U-space, to mitigate unauthorized or unsafe drone incursions in sensitive airspace.
Business Models & Partnerships: A candid look at the economics of U-space revealed that “rules don’t make a business, flights do.” Many European ANSPs and startups are still seeking sustainable revenue models for U-space services. Several speakers advocated for public-private partnerships and government support to kickstart the market. Procurements for U-space were discussed, with some countries opting for single-provider models via the ANSP, and others certifying multiple private USSPs to compete. The consensus was that clarity in roles (ANSP vs. USSP) and value propositions is needed to attract investment. The good news: with core U-space technologies now reaching maturity (technical readiness level 8 in recent demos), stakeholders feel the industry is at the “end of the beginning” – poised to transition from research pilots to scaled implementation.

DIAS Panel: “Access to Airspace – What Are Your Challenges?”

A highlight of Day 2 was a panel discussion moderated by DIAS’s Secretary General, Bart Slager, entitled “Access to Airspace: What Are Your Challenges?” This session united leading voices from across the Swiss drone ecosystem to tackle one of our most pressing issues: how to unlock equitable airspace access for drones in Switzerland and beyond.

Panelists:
Bart Slager (Moderator, DIAS), joined by Manu Lubrano (Digital Transformation Architect, FOCA), Johannes Aicher (CEO, Avientus), Nicklaus Stocker (Managing Director, Swiss Drone Competence Center), Sascha Hardegger (CEO, Dufour Aerospace), and Martin Jajcay (Test Facility Manager, LINA.swiss). This diverse group – spanning regulator, U-space service provider, drone manufacturer, and R&D – reflected the collaborative approach Switzerland champions in drone integration.

Key questions on the agenda included: What are the current needs and pain points for drone operators? What barriers prevent access to certain airspace (for both commercial and public uses)? And how can industry and authorities work together to enable safe, scalable drone operations? These questions set the stage for a frank discussion of real-world hurdles.

Main takeaways: The Swiss drone community shares many of the same challenges seen across Europe, but with some unique national context. Panelists agreed that clarity and consistency in regulation is a foundational need – operators still face uncertainty around complex approval processes and patchwork airspace restrictions. Manu Lubrano of FOCA acknowledged that regulators must modernize procedures (e.g. move toward digital flight approvals and risk-based rules) to keep pace with industry’s needs. At the same time, industry players must be transparent and proactive about safety. “We can’t integrate drones at scale unless we break down silos between innovators and regulators,” Bart Slager noted, emphasizing that regular dialogue and pilot projects build mutual trust.

A recurring theme was the importance of test zones and trials. Martin Jajcay described how LINA.swiss’s drone test facility provides a safe environment to trial new solutions – from detect-and-avoid sensors to dense urban flights – generating data that can inform Swiss regulations. Sascha Hardegger highlighted that for companies like Dufour Aerospace (developing larger eVTOL drones), gaining access to airspace corridors for beyond-line-of-sight testing is vital. Switzerland’s mountainous terrain and border-adjacent airspace add complexity, making controlled trials and cross-border coordination with neighbors (like France and Germany) crucial prep work.

Collaboration emerged as the prescription for progress. Johannes Aicher explained how Avientus, as a U-space service provider, partners with both FOCA and global tech standards groups to ensure their platform will meet upcoming requirements. Nicklaus Stocker pointed out that initiatives like the Swiss Drone Competence Center help bring together academia, industry, and authorities to solve problems collectively – for example, developing common risk assessment tools for drone flights. The panel’s consensus: no single entity can solve the airspace access puzzle alone, but Switzerland’s relatively close-knit ecosystem is a strength we can leverage. By sharing insights and aligning efforts, Switzerland can serve as a model for pragmatic U-space implementation.

“Safe drone integration will only happen through open dialogue and pragmatic collaboration – between innovators and regulators, civilians and authorities. That’s how we unlock the skies.” – Bart Slager, DIAS Secretary General (panel moderator)

Swiss Industry Presence and Member Highlights

Harmonized Skies 2025 also showcased a strong Swiss industry presence, with many DIAS member organizations actively contributing:

Local Leadership: The event itself was supported by FOCA and the Canton of Zurich, underscoring Switzerland’s leadership in U-space. FOCA representatives (including our panelist Manu Lubrano) shared how Switzerland is aligning with European standards while tailoring U-space to national needs – for instance, using lessons from the Zurich soft launch to guide wider rollout.
Panels & Talks: In addition to Bart’s panel, Swiss experts featured in other sessions. Swisscom and SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) participated in discussions on infrastructure and connectivity, according to the agenda. Swisscom highlighted the role of 5G networks for drone communications and Remote ID, while SBB brought insights on using drones for railway inspection and how large infrastructure operators can interface with U-space. Matternet – known for its drone delivery operations in Switzerland – shared lessons learned from BVLOS logistics flights, reinforcing why predictable airspace access is critical for services like hospital blood sample transport. Academia was represented too: researchers from ZHAW (Zürich University of Applied Sciences) contributed to conversations on detect-and-avoid algorithms and U-space validation, reflecting the strong applied research happening in Switzerland.
Expo and Demos: On the sidelines, several DIAS members demonstrated their innovations. digisky showcased its UTM platform that is already enabling geo-awareness for Swiss drone pilots. Meteomatics presented high-resolution weather data services tailored for U-space – a timely offering, as even the BURDI trials identified weather info as key to future U-space services. Anzen and Flarm exhibited safety technologies: Anzen’s drone parachute and failsafe systems, and Flarm’s airborne collision-avoidance signaling that could augment U-space detect-and-avoid layers. Swiss Aeropole (the aviation hub at Payerne) and startups like v2sky used the event to network and explore partnerships, recognizing that global gatherings like this help put Swiss solutions on the world stage.

Below are some DIAS member highlights from the event and why they matter for Switzerland:

SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) – Discussed integrating drones into national infrastructure monitoring, signaling potential corridors for routine drone operations along rail lines (a future boost for long-range missions).
Swisscom – Demonstrated 5G and connectivity services for U-space, vital for real-time tracking, control, and Remote ID in Switzerland’s networked sky.
Dufour Aerospace – Shared progress on hybrid eVTOL drones and advocated for dedicated airspace access for testing and medical cargo routes, aligning with Switzerland’s push for advanced air mobility.
Avientus – Showcased its U-space platform as a Swiss-made solution for managing drone flights; their participation underlines that Swiss companies are helping shape interoperable UTM systems in Europe.
Matternet – Highlighted its Swiss drone delivery trials, reinforcing the need for clear U-space procedures to expand medical and logistics drone services across Swiss cities.
ZHAW – Contributed research findings on drone detect-and-avoid and risk assessment, supporting evidence-based approaches in Swiss U-space regulation development.
Swiss Drone Competence Center (SDCC) – Emphasized training and standardized processes for drone operators, ensuring the Swiss workforce is ready for scaled U-space operations.
digisky – In attendance connecting with international peers; as a Swiss U-space software provider, digisky’s involvement signals our homegrown tech is in the U-space race.
UASolutions – Engaged in discussions on regulatory compliance and safety (their core consulting area), helping Swiss operators navigate new rules emerging from events like this.
Meteomatics – Showed how precise weather forecasting can increase U-space safety and efficiency (e.g. forecasting microclimate to inform drone routing), a Swiss niche expertise with global relevance.
Anzen – Promoted its drone safety solutions (like emergency recovery systems), addressing the reliability concerns discussed at the conference and enhancing trust in drone tech.
Flarm – Brought proven manned aviation collision-avoidance tech to the unmanned sphere, hinting at future integrated traffic awareness between drones and light aircraft in Swiss skies.
Swiss Aeropole – Represented the growing aviation campus in Payerne, inviting partners to test and develop U-space services in Switzerland – an important resource for local and foreign companies alike.
v2sky – Present to explore partnerships; this startup focuses on drone identification hardware, aligning with the conference’s emphasis on Remote ID and secure drone identity.

(If we missed any members, please let us know – the Swiss delegation was large, reflecting our community’s enthusiasm!)

What This Means for Switzerland

For Swiss stakeholders, the insights from Harmonized Skies 2025 carry clear implications:

U-space Readiness: Switzerland is on the right track by actively engaging in European U-space forums. The Zurich pilot U-space and FOCA’s involvement show we’re positioning to launch U-space services soon, learning from EU neighbors. Staying aligned with EU standards (while not an EU member) will ensure cross-border drone operations can happen smoothly.
Opportunities for Industry: The event affirmed that common standards and interoperability lower barriers for our companies abroad. Swiss UTM startups and drone OEMs that adopt standards (like ASTM’s UTM interfaces or Remote ID protocols) can more easily export services to the EU and beyond. Likewise, proven trial projects (e.g. Swiss medical deliveries) bolster our members’ credibility in international markets.
Regulatory Momentum: Europe’s drone integration is advancing, but not without challenges. For Switzerland, this is a chance to streamline our own regulations and approval processes, avoiding pitfalls others faced. Consistent, risk-based rules – possibly leveraging standards and lessons from SESAR demos – can help us unlock more BVLOS operations and drone business models at home.
Collaboration is Key: A takeaway echoed for Switzerland is the value of public-private collaboration. DIAS will continue to serve as a bridge between industry and authorities. Initiatives like working groups on U-space implementation, or joint trials (e.g. involving FOCA, police, and industry in a city drone pilot), will accelerate trust-building and practical solutions.
Maintaining Leadership: Finally, the conference reinforced that drone technology moves fast – and so must we. Switzerland has been a pioneer (from the Swiss U-space Implementation program to early drone delivery). To maintain our edge, we should keep investing in innovation and skills – supporting test centers, university research, and startup incubation – so that Swiss talent and companies remain at the forefront of the global drone ecosystem.

Next Steps and Closing

As the Harmonized Skies event made clear, turning concepts into reality will require sustained effort. We at DIAS are optimistic – the dialogue in Zurich showed that the drone industry’s trajectory is positive and solutions-driven. Now, our focus shifts to action in Switzerland: implementing U-space step by step, preparing our members for upcoming certification requirements, and ensuring the Swiss drone ecosystem thrives in harmony with international developments.

To our members and partners: let’s keep the momentum going. We encourage you to join DIAS’s ongoing initiatives – from our internal working groups on U-space and safety to upcoming consultation responses. Get involved in the practical work of defining how U-space will operate here: for example, FOCA is expected to release further guidance, and your expertise can shape those policies. If you’re not yet a DIAS member, consider joining to contribute and stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Stay tuned for our future events and updates. Be sure to subscribe to the DIAS newsletter for the latest on Switzerland’s drone industry, and check our event calendar for upcoming workshops and #learnwithDIAS webinars where we’ll delve deeper into U-space implementation. Together, as a community, we are charting the future of drones in Switzerland – safely, innovatively, and collaboratively. Onwards and upwards!