The event revolves around two main themes: new European regulations and passenger transport by air in large cities, also known as ‘Urban Air Mobility’.

The Amsterdam Drone Week is a joint initiative between the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the European organisation for aviation safety, and venue and organiser RAI Amsterdam.

The event will bring together companies and institutes involved in the technology, applications and regulations related to drones from 28 European countries.

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure is also supporting the event, which comes at an interesting time as, Europe-wide, new regulations are expected to be formulated for unmanned aircraft over the coming year.

For sectors such as defence, law enforcement, healthcare, logistics and transport, comprehensive rules will be a prerequisite for the actual use of new drone applications – an example is the plans by Uber to use taxi drones for transporting passengers.
“The industry is developing at lightning speed – we won’t have to wait long for drone ambulances or package delivery services,” says Paul Riemens, CEO of RAI Amsterdam and originator of the initiative.

“The coming years will make clear what companies and organisations want and are allowed to do with these new technologies. Privacy and safety issues will be particularly important in this regard. A great deal is already possible from a technological point of view, and new regulations will give the drone industry a major boost. Amsterdam Drone Week will facilitate discussions, innovations and connections.”

Drone events have generally tended to look at technology first. Amsterdam Drone Week, however, will focus explicitly on infrastructure, legislation and regulations, including security and public safety. The event is also targeted at users who range from government, producers and customers to technology companies and knowledge institutions.
More than 1,500 professionals are expected to attend the event. Riemens adds: “With this initiative, we aim to create a platform on a global scale that will enable the sector as a whole to develop. We aim to connect Europe and give the drone industry wings – literally and figuratively.”