Altiscope, which is the Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) group from A³ by Airbus, has released “Blueprint for the Sky: The Roadmap for the Safe Integration of Autonomous Aircraft.”

The Blueprint represents months of careful analysis by Airbus of the future needs for the airspace, the widespread impact of the upcoming changes to the airspace, and the development of the required tools for its enablement.

Airbus explains that as the skies are set to get busier and busier, air traffic management must account for autonomous aircraft, which the company describes as a brand new category on the rise. Airbus believes that it is important for it to be at the forefront of developing new traffic management systems to safely accommodate the integration of more UAS into the airspace.

Airbus says that autonomous missions and flights, which are an integral part of the future aircraft that it is investing in designing, testing, and building today, will not be possible without UTM, so the company feels it has a responsibility to ensure the continued safe operation of existing and emerging airspace missions.

“The airspace of tomorrow can only deliver on its promise through collaboration—regulators, manufacturers, service providers, investors, and consumers, all working together with a common understanding,” says Tom Enders, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus.

“We are excited to share the Blueprint, and to see the future we can make fly together.”

Several independent parties have reviewed Airbus’ Blueprint, including representatives from IATA, NATCA, GUTMA, the World Economic Forum, and the New Zealand Ministry of Transport.

Airbus notes that all reviewers are “committed to the industry-wide collaboration required to ensure safe and successful management of the airspace of the future.”

The Blueprint is designed to serve as a conversation starter for those with the power to effect change as the industry evolves. It is also designed to support policies and rulemaking that can regulate autonomous operations to ensure that air transport remains as safe tomorrow as it is today.

“A3’s mission is to develop innovative solutions to address the emergent needs of the aerospace industry, and the Blueprint is a great example of just that: well-informed industry leadership that brings about essential change while keeping safety at the forefront of every conversation,” says Rodin Lyasoff, Chief Executive Officer, A3 by Airbus.

“This document’s creation inspired important and valuable discussions both inside and outside of Airbus; I look forward to seeing those opportunities explored further with the Blueprint as a guiding set of principles.”