Drone air traffic management system to be launched soon

A new drone management system, due to be launched shortly, will offer a one-stop solution for drone users in the country. Omani tech startup, Serb, is launching a system that will allow drone owners to fly legally within designated areas.

Speaking to the Observer, Cofounder Malik al Nabhani shed some light upon the upcoming launch of the system. “Serb is a technology startup that is developing a UTM system (unmanned traffic management system) within civil aviation to enable safe drone flights.”

According to Al Nabhani, the startup emerged due to an urgent need to manage drone traffic amid legislative restrictions and increased drone use demand. Designed in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority, the app will provide a map showcasing the locations where flying drones is permissible.

Additionally, it will also allow users to acquire flying licences from the Authority within the application. The system will offer its services to three types of users: recreational, commercial and enterprise.

Enterprises in various fields have adopted the use of drones within recent years. For example gas and oil companies use them to detect and monitor leaks, while telecommunication companies use them for tower inspections.

Furthermore, the system will allow for better air-traffic coordination, according to Al Nabhani.

He explained that the app will allow for better communication between all forms of aircrafts, while simultaneously prioritising important missions within the vicinity. The web and app based software is expected to launch within the next month.

Serb, formerly known as Airgo, was founded by CEO Anwar al Hinai, and COO Malik al Nabhani. The startup, which is part of the Omantel Innovation Lab accelerator, raised $2.7 million in seed funding from Saudi venture capitalist firm Forming Future earlier this year.