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Garuda awaits regulation to start cargo drone operation amid safety concerns
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A Matternet drone is loaded with a UPS sample box. American delivery giant UPS on March 26, 2019 launched the first authorized use of unmanned drones to transport packages. (UPS/AFP/File)
T
he plan to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), widely known as drones, for cargo delivery in Indonesia’s airspace has raised safety concerns as their operation can disrupt air traffic near airports.
Indonesia is one of the countries that have supported the operation of drones for cargo transportation. National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia announced its plan to fly 100 drones and 50 unmanned helicopters (VTOL) in 2021 to support its cargo business.
The regulator said it was in the process of preparing a more complete regulation to support the commercial use of drones for the delivery of goods.
“Drones are one disruption that must be anticipated in aviation, especially since the drones have been developed and are used for various needs, not only as a hobby or for photography, but also for logistics,” Polana B. Pramesti, the civil aviation director general said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He said the commercial use of drones should be regulated because besides offering many benefits, they also presented a potential threat.
Garuda Indonesia’s cargo and business development director Mohammad Iqbal said the airline would have to await the issuance of detailed and accommodative regulations on the navigation system and airport system before commercially using them to transport goods.
“Indeed, there are already regulations on the use of light capacity drones, but the operation of drones that can transport cargo of up to 2.2 tons has not been regulated. We need it now,” he said adding that Garuda planned to run a trial on the use of drones for goods transportation in November.
