Throughout history, the advancement of human civilization has been intrinsically linked to the development of transportation infrastructure. Each era has brought forth revolutionary changes that reshaped our world, our economies, and our way of life. From the expansion of railroads in the 19th century to the rise of automobiles and highways in the 20th, and the establishment of air traffic control systems by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), each advancement has redefined mobility and connectivity.
Now, in the early 21st century, we stand at the cusp of another transformative moment in transportation history. The rapid advancement of drone technology and the concept of urban air mobility are poised to revolutionize how we move goods, deliver critical services, and transport people. And just as the railway, highway, and airway systems required careful planning and infrastructure development, the integration of drones into our daily lives demands a new kind of mapping – the mapping of the low-altitude airspace.
Enter Airspace Link, a company at the forefront of this new frontier. Founded in Detroit in 2018 by CEO and co-founder Michael Healander, with co-founders Ana Healander and Daniel Bradshaw, Airspace Link has quickly established itself as a pivotal player in the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry, providing critical infrastructure and solutions for the safe operation of drones in increasingly complex urban environments. Much like the railway engineers of the 19th century or the highway planners of the 20th, Airspace Link is laying the groundwork for a new era of aerial mobility, helping to shape the future of urban transportation.
Airspace Link’s work echoes the transformative impacts of past infrastructure revolutions while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of our time. From enhancing public safety and improving delivery services to supporting environmental sustainability and fostering economic growth, Airspace Link’s mission touches on many aspects of our society, promising to usher in a new chapter in the ongoing saga of human mobility.
The Airspace Link Mission
At its core, Airspace Link’s mission is to create a world where the safe integration of drones fuels human progress, advancing social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. This ambitious vision is brought to life through the company’s flagship product, the AirHub® Portal, an FAA-approved solution that serves as a comprehensive ecosystem for drone operations.
AirHub® Portal is more than just a tool; it’s a bridge between the technological capabilities of drones and the regulatory framework necessary for their safe operation. As one of the few FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers of B4UFLY and Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), Airspace Link provides a crucial service in streamlining the process for drone operators to obtain authorization for flights in controlled airspace. This capability is fundamental in unlocking the full potential of commercial and recreational drone use across various sectors.
What sets Airspace Link apart is its holistic approach to drone integration. The company recognizes that successful drone operations require a delicate balance between technological innovation, regulatory compliance, and community acceptance. To this end, Airspace Link has developed a suite of solutions that cater to all stakeholders in the drone ecosystem – from individual operators and enterprises to government agencies and local communities.
Airspace Link’s success is built on strategic partnerships and technological excellence. Its collaboration with Esri, the global leader in GIS technology, provides access to premier mapping and location intelligence capabilities. This partnership, combined with Airspace Link’s integration of over 50 authoritative aviation and UAS industry-specific datasets, offers real-time information on airspace advisories, restrictions, and potential ground risks, allowing drone operators to plan their flights with unprecedented precision and safety awareness.
One of Airspace Link’s most significant contributions to the drone industry is its FlySafe Program, empowering cities and communities to safely integrate drones into their airspace and daily operations. By providing a turnkey solution for local governments, the FlySafe Program enables the publication of drone rules, identification of safe flight areas, and creation of new economic opportunities – all while prioritizing safety and community acceptance.
The FlySafe Program has already seen successful implementations in cities like Arlington, Texas, and Ontario, California, as well as dozens of other U.S. communities looking to create a structured drone ecosystem. These case studies demonstrate how Airspace Link’s solutions can transform municipalities into drone-ready environments, supporting innovative applications across public safety and first response, infrastructure inspection, and product delivery sectors.
Creating a World-Class Drone Ecosystem in Detroit and Other Cities
Airspace Link’s impact extends beyond individual cities. The company plays a crucial role in shaping the future of advanced aerial mobility on a broader scale. This is evidenced by its involvement in the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR) initiative in Detroit, launched in collaboration with Michigan Central and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). This groundbreaking project aims to establish Michigan as a national leader in the emerging advanced aerial mobility industry, with Airspace Link providing the platform and processes to support safe drone operations in a real-world urban environment.
The company’s strategic location within Detroit’s innovation ecosystem further underscores its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in urban air mobility. Based at Newlab Michigan Central, an innovation hub housing over 100 startups, Airspace Link is part of a vibrant community driving mobility-focused technological advancement and economic growth in the region.
The Future of Advanced Aerial Mobility Has Arrived
As the drone market is projected to grow from $17 billion today to more than $50 billion by 2030, Airspace Link is positioning itself – and the communities it serves – to capitalize on this explosive growth. The company’s solutions are not just about managing current drone operations; they’re about future-proofing cities and regions for the next generation of aerial mobility.
Looking to the future, Airspace Link is at the forefront of efforts to enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations. Gaining FAA approval for BVLOS flights will be a game-changer for the industry, opening up possibilities for longer-range deliveries and a host of new applications. Airspace Link’s involvement in initiatives like the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region in Detroit is crucial in gathering the data and insights necessary to make BVLOS operations a reality.
Ultimately, Airspace Link represents more than just a technology company; it embodies a vision for a future where drones seamlessly and safely coexist with traditional forms of transportation, enhancing our lives and communities. As cities around the world grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by drone technology, Airspace Link stands ready to guide them into this exciting new frontier of urban mobility.
