Tender called for all-in-one registration, tracking system for unmanned aircraft operations

SINGAPORE – A call is out for a tender to build a system that will allow the authorities to track unmanned aircraft (UA) operations in real time and help them “deconflict” the flights of manned and unmanned aircraft.

The unmanned aircraft traffic management system (UTMS) will also be used as a one-stop portal for UA users to register their aircraft and apply for permits and pilot licences.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) called the tender on Dec 12.

Interested parties with expertise in air traffic management systems, and developing and implementing complex aviation systems, should submit their proposals to CAAS by Jan 31, 2025.

The system, which is expected to be the first of its kind, will track commercial and recreational UA, and provide users with real-time information about other UA within their area of operation, CAAS said.

The UTMS is also expected to enable more effective enforcement against operators who flout the rules, such as those who fly their UA outside an approved area.

Setting up a one-stop portal to consolidate application processes will allow multiple government agencies to access and assess these applications simultaneously, CAAS said.

Currently, CAAS runs five separate systems for drone operators to submit applications.

Depending on where the UA is to be operated, the Singapore Police Force, the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, the National Parks Board (NParks) and national water agency PUB could also be involved in evaluating applications.

Integrating these into a single platform – the UTMS – will streamline the application process and speed up regulatory approvals, CAAS said.

It will also allow the agencies to exchange information on the availability of airspace and the imposition of restrictions, such as no-fly zones.

“The use of our airspace could be further optimised while ensuring public and aviation safety, and security,” CAAS said.

It added that data collected by the UTMS would help agencies identify low-risk locations where approval can be provided on an expedited basis, cutting the processing time for less complex applications.

Mr Han Kok Juan, director-general of CAAS, said the regulator is “committed to leveraging technology to support the growth of the (UA) sector in a manner that ensures aviation and public safety and security”.

He added that the new system would “boost our regulatory capabilities while reducing regulatory burden and improving user experience”.

Mr Farhan Tahir, administrator of the Universal Drones Singapore Facebook hobby group – which has about 8,100 members – said that while he is used to having to use separate platforms, having everything in one place would make things easier.

“Right now, it can be a confusing mess,” he said.

He is not concerned about the authorities being able to track UA in real time, as “user data is already being shared across multiple government agencies”, he pointed out.

For example, if a user applies for an activity permit and the area of operation is over a park or a river, NParks and PUB are involved in assessing the application, he said.

Mr Farhan said he hopes the new system will make the processing faster, since agencies will have direct access to the information.

“I hope this will increase the speed of the permit application process,” he said.