Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) is transforming how it manages uncrewed air traffic across its operations by developing the AirShare uncrewed traffic management (UTM) system.
The port’s use of AirShare is part of an airspace integration trial that AirShare is rolling out across New Zealand, helping unattended aerodromes and large landowners such as ports monitor and coordinate drone traffic, and provide authorisations as required.
Airways New Zealand has used AirShare since 2014 to support safe management of uncrewed aircraft across New Zealand airspace. The UTM system helps to reduce risks related to uncrewed aircraft, and enhances situational awareness for airspace managers and drone pilots.
For LPC, the gateway port to the South Island, the key motivation for integrating AirShare’s Airspace Manager into its operations was to improve safety and streamline drone flight approvals.
Drone operations aligned to Civil Aviation Authority Part 101 rules are steadily increasing at the port, as LPC staff deploy drones to gather data around asset condition assessments, monitor environmental conditions, and collect images of port activities. Given that the port is a controlled area, LPC does not permit recreational drone flights over its operations.
Increasing use of drones at the port has identified potential challenges around effective safety risk management. In particular dedicated no-fly areas within port boundaries and other work activities underway.
AirShare has closely collaborated with LPC to deploy the AirShare UTM onsite. With AirShare now operational, LPC can see all drone flights logged within its airspace. The team can easily authorise flights when needed.
“AirShare is an important tool for Lyttelton Port Company. It enables our drone pilots to efficiently plan and lodge flight plans,” says Chief Marine and Infrastructure Officer Mike Simmers. “This significantly enhances our Permits Office’s ability to monitor UAV flights, protect operations, and maintain high safety standards,” he adds.
James Evans, Acting General Manager Commercial at Airways International, which developed AirShare, says. “It’s great to see Lyttelton Port Company join this trial. It is the first port in New Zealand to deploy our UTM. Our aim is to keep the skies safe by integrating uncrewed traffic into all types of airspace. We see many benefits for ports and similar businesses in using AirShare to enhance airspace safety around their operations.”
The trial will run for at least three months at LPC. It is part of a wider initiative involving unattended aerodromes and large landowners across New Zealand. Currently, 12 unattended aerodromes use AirShare, including Tekapo, Pikes Point, Mechanics Bay, and Auckland and North Shore Hospitals.
Trial participants and drone operators will provide feedback to AirShare. This feedback will be shared with key stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Transport. This will enable the support to future decision-making around uncrewed aircraft operations in New Zealand.
