The skies above our cities are on the brink of transformation, driven by rapid advancements in urban air mobility, air traffic control and the growing presence of drones and eVTOLs. At ATM Excite, we are at the forefront of this evolution, pioneering solutions that ensure the safe, efficient, and secure integration of new aerial actors into Europe’s complex airspace.
Urban Air Mobility (UAM), once a futuristic concept, is now becoming a tangible reality, promising faster, cleaner, and more flexible transportation options. From package delivery drones to passenger-carrying eVTOLs, the airspace is becoming more diverse than ever. However, this shift brings significant challenges in drones and ATM integration, demanding innovative approaches and seamless coordination between civil and military aviation systems. Through cutting-edge research and close collaboration with European institutions, ATM Excite is shaping the future of air traffic management to meet these demands—and redefine what’s possible above our heads.
What is urban air mobility and why it matters now
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) refers to the use of advanced aircraft, primarily electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), to transport people and goods across urban and suburban environments. This innovation represents a new layer of transportation, designed to move above congested roads and deliver speed, efficiency, and accessibility to cities facing growing mobility challenges.
One of UAM’s core benefits lies in its potential to decongest urban areas, reduce travel time drastically, and provide environmentally sustainable alternatives to ground transport. Whether it’s air taxis connecting business hubs or drones handling last-mile deliveries, the promise of UAM is reshaping how cities function and interact.
At the heart of this revolution are eVTOLs, quiet, energy-efficient aircraft capable of navigating dense urban landscapes with minimal infrastructure demands. As cities worldwide invest in smart mobility solutions, the need for urban air mobility air traffic control becomes critical.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the value of agile, contactless logistics, accelerating the urgency for scalable aerial transport. Now, as urban centers adapt and innovate, UAM is no longer a vision for tomorrow, it’s a necessity for today. ATM Excite is proud to support this evolution, driving safe and intelligent integration into the European airspace.
The challenge of integrating drones and UAM into controlled airspace
The evolution of airspace is accelerating, and with it comes the urgent need to reconcile traditional aviation with new entrants like drones and eVTOLs. This transformation presents a fundamental challenge: how do we safely and efficiently manage an increasingly crowded sky?
The answer is far from simple. Unlike commercial aircraft operating at high altitudes along structured routes, drones and UAM vehicles typically navigate low-altitude, dynamic environments. This diversity introduces a host of complexities in drones and ATM integration, especially when mixing autonomous systems with conventional piloted aircraft.
Technical and safety concerns abound. Altitude separation must be carefully enforced to prevent mid-air conflicts. Communication protocols need to ensure seamless information exchange between piloted and unmanned systems. Real-time surveillance becomes essential, not just for tracking positions, but for anticipating and avoiding conflicts in densely populated areas.
Traditional air traffic management systems, designed for scheduled, linear flights, lack the flexibility and responsiveness required to support this new landscape. That’s why ATM Excite is investing in dynamic, next-generation air traffic solutions capable of adapting in real time to evolving flight patterns and traffic densities.
Moreover, eVTOL airspace management demands new regulatory and technological frameworks that allow for precise coordination without sacrificing safety. By leveraging automation, AI, and advanced data integration, ATM Excite is paving the way for a harmonized European sky, where drones, eVTOLs, and commercial jets can share the airspace safely and efficiently.
Regulatory frameworks and innovations facilitating safe integration
As urban air mobility air traffic control evolves, strong regulatory support is crucial to ensure safe and efficient integration of new aerial technologies. The European Union, in collaboration with initiatives like SESAR, is actively developing policies and frameworks to guide this transformation.
One of the most impactful developments is U-space, a set of services and procedures specifically designed to enable the safe and scalable operation of drones in shared airspace. U-space supports everything from real-time flight tracking to automated conflict resolution, serving as a critical layer in drones and ATM integration.
At ATM Excite, we are deeply aligned with these European efforts. Our project not only supports SESAR’s strategic vision but also contributes technological innovations and research insights that influence regulatory evolution. By working within and helping to shape these frameworks, ATM Excite ensures that Europe’s airspace remains a global model for innovation, safety, and operational harmony.
How ATM Excite is leading the change
At ATM Excite, our mission is clear: to pioneer seamless, secure, and scalable urban air mobility air traffic control solutions across Europe. As airspace becomes more diverse with the rise of drones and eVTOLs, we’re leading the way in fostering effective civil-military coordination and safe integration of all airspace users.
Our research focuses on cutting-edge technologies—AI, automation, and data fusion—that enhance situational awareness and decision-making. In the realm of eVTOL airspace management, ATM Excite stands as a key innovator, committed to building resilient systems that uphold safety while advancing European leadership in air traffic modernization.
Building the future of European skies
The future of aviation lies in interconnected skies, where manned aircraft, eVTOLs, and drones operate seamlessly through intelligent systems. To make this vision a reality, we must invest in innovation, foster collaboration across sectors, and drive regulatory and technological advancement.
At ATM Excite, we are proud to be a catalyst in this transformation. Through our work in urban air mobility, air traffic control and drones and ATM integration, we are laying the foundation for a safer, smarter European airspace. Together, we can shape a future where air mobility serves every citizen, efficiently, sustainably, and securely.
At ATM Excite, we’re not just adapting to the future of airspace, we’re engineering it.
