With the inclusion of BAIA in JEDA, we will be able to share experiences and work together with Europe to develop the future of air transport and services. This was said by Todor Ivandjikov – Chairman of the Bulgarian Aviation Industry Association (BAIA) after the official presentation of JEDA– Joint European Drone Associations. It took place on 15 November to EASA representatives during the European Drone Forum 2021 in Cologne (Germany), which he also attended.
The creation of JEDA opens a new page in the global history of the development of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). To date, its members are Albadron (Albanian Drone Association), APANT (Spain), ASSORPAS (Italy), BAIA (Bulgaria), BDF (Belgium), DRONEA and EAC (Estonia), EUKA (Flemish Drone Federation), FDPC, H.U.S.I. (Hellenic U-Space Institute), LARPAS (Latvia), RPAS (Finland), UAAI (Ireland) and UAV DACH.
The founding of JEDA was necessitated by the significantly growing number of UAS operators as well as companies investing in the production, analysis and development of drones, and also the expansion of services for UAS operators in different parts of Europe. The organisation will provide full support in terms of regulatory norms concerning all those in any way related to the drone industry and its deployment in the shared airspace. JEDA will focus its efforts on establishing common rules for UAV users in the European aviation system. The founders of the association believe that sharing best practices is the main method to speed up the deployment of new technologies while ensuring the safety of all aircraft.
Thanks to Unmanned Systems Bulgaria, our country is playing an increasingly important role in the development of U-Space. However, we continue to encounter obstacles from the DG CAA precisely in the aspect of deployment of UAS services in the domestic airspace. In this regard, Mr Ivandjikov added:
“The world is going to change radically in the next 5 years and we need to be ready for it and keep up with the changes.”
BAIA is represented in JEDA by Unmanned Systems – Bulgaria, whose founder StefanHristozov said:
“JEDA is an opportunity for ABAI and Bulgaria to have a voice in the European Parliament, Commission and agencies. JEDA is also a chance for us to work with professionals from across Europe and shape the future .”