Dublin-headquartered drone delivery firm Manna has been confirmed as the drone operator that has requested permission to fly in Cork airspace.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) recently introduced new temporary measures that will significantly limit drone pilots and enthusiasts from flying over large parts of the city without providing two days’ notice. The measures were implemented to facilitate a BVLOS drone operator.
BVLOS operators do not maintain direct visual contact with flying drones, with one pilot often flying multiple drones simultaneously. This differs from visual line of sight (VLOS) operators, where one pilot operates one drone at a time.
The restrictions coming into place specifically target VLOS operations, which is why the majority of drone users are set to be impacted.
The IAA said that while it currently allows VLOS operations over Cork City, a new temporary geographical zone will be established to specifically enable BVLOS operations, giving them exclusive use of the airspace without providing two days’ notice. The IAA also said it hopes to make these temporary measures permanent from May.
The IAA said the temporary VLOS restrictions aim to ensure the safe conduct of BVLOS flights over the city.
In a statement to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for the IAA said: “Under European regulation, when required, Air Navigation Service Providers should apply to the IAA to establish a geographical zone (UGZ) to help ensure safe use of the airspace.
“The IAA reviews each application in detail, including the proposed activities and supporting evidence, to determine whether the introduction of a UGZ is justified and meets required safety standards.
“In this instance, a company that operates unmanned aircraft systems/drones beyond visual line of sight – Manna – requested permission to operate within the Cork Control Zone.”
The IAA added that AirNav Ireland entered discussions with Manna to establish operational procedures to allow for this BVLOS operation.
It is understood that these discussions involved a request for a memorandum of understanding between Manna and AirNav.
“The block or volume of airspace required to safely contain the BVLOS operations was also determined,” the IAA spokesperson continued.
“AirNav Ireland then made an application to the IAA to establish a geographical zone.”
The IAA added that there would be no change to how “blue light” emergency services access Cork City airspace.
“Emergency services will continue to have absolute priority, and all non-emergency drone activity will be paused immediately whenever required to ensure safe access.”
Co-founded by Bobby Healy, Manna specialises in home deliveries, bringing retail, food, drink and pharmacy products to doorsteps using drones.
The company currently operates across various hubs in Dublin, and last year, surpassed 250,000 total deliveries. The company has repeatedly stated plans to expand to Cork, with the company’s chief technical officer, Alan Hicks, saying last month that it wanted to be operating across Ireland by the end of this year.
The firm currently employs 160 people, with sources close to Manna stating that up to 50 new jobs are created in every suburb it expands to.
