MICHAEL HEALANDER

AIRSPACE LINK, INC - PRESIDENT AND CEO

THOUGHT

Leader

AN INNOVATOR OF INDUSTRY
“THE POWER OF DRONES FOR GOOD: CREATING A SAFER, EASIER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.”
Detroit 3D Cover-5

As Featured In:

INNOVATE® Detroit

Detroit 3D Cover-5

As Featured In:

INNOVATE® Detroit


As we look to the skies, we’re witnessing a revolution in mobility that will transform our communities for the better. Drones are no longer just cool gadgets or military tools – they’re becoming powerful forces for good that can make our lives safer, easier, and more eco-friendly.

At Airspace Link, we’re working to build the digital infrastructure that will allow drones to seamlessly and safely integrate into our airspace and communities. As this technology evolves, I’m incredibly excited about its potential to serve humanity in meaningful ways.

Imagine a world where life-saving medications can be delivered in minutes to someone in need, even in remote areas or during natural disasters. Picture drones assisting first responders by providing real-time aerial views during emergencies. Consider how drone deliveries could reduce traffic congestion and emissions in our cities.

But the impact goes beyond convenience. In our home city of Detroit alone, drone delivery could serve up to 55% of the population, including 40,000 people with mobility challenges. This could save up to $500 million in healthcare benefits and take 200 million miles off the roads, reducing CO2 emissions equivalent to planting 40,000 acres of new forest.

As we embrace this technology, we have an opportunity to reimagine mobility in a way that enhances public safety, improves quality of life, and supports environmental sustainability. The key is thoughtful integration that prioritizes community needs and safety.

These aren’t far-off scenarios – they’re happening now. We’re already seeing drones deliver medical test kits between hospitals and transport vital organs for transplants. They’re being used to inspect critical infrastructure, monitor wildfires, and assist in search and rescue operations.

As we embrace this technology, we have an opportunity to reimagine mobility in a way that enhances public safety, improves quality of life, and supports environmental sustainability. The key is thoughtful integration that prioritizes community needs and safety. But to fully realize this potential, we need to ensure drones can operate safely at scale. That’s why we’re collaborating with the FAA, state and local governments, and industry partners to create an air traffic management system for drones. By building digital “roads in the sky,” we can enable drones to fly safely over communities while respecting privacy and minimizing disruption.

I believe drones represent one of the most exciting frontiers in technology today – not just for what they can do, but for how they can serve humanity. By harnessing their potential for good, we can create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable communities for all.

As co-founder, president, and CEO of Airspace Link, Michael Healander is responsible for leading all facets of the business. Michael has a proven executive management track record and 15 years of experience driving growth in the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and geospatial industries. Airspace Link’s award-winning AirHub® platform has been described by federal, state, and local government partners and commercial operators as the “smart maps for drones.”

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