Amanda Boekholt is Legal Advisor & Project Stakeholder Manager for the Federal Office of Civil Aviation Switzerland (Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt, BAZL).
The term U-space, refers to a collection of digitalised and automated functions and processes aimed at providing safe, efficient and fair access to airspace for the growing number of civilian drone operations. U-space provides a framework to facilitate the implementation of all types of operation in all classes of airspace and all types of environment, while ensuring an orderly coexistence with manned aviation and air traffic control. Switzerland does not yet have an operational U-space airspace. The Federal Office of Civil Aviation Switzerland is currently working to establish such airspaces, especially in areas where a large number of simultaneously operated drones are expected or where drones are operated alongside manned aircraft (aircraft, helicopters).