Like many other things in the legacy of aviation, NUAIR’s success comes from a system of systems. A team of industry-leading products and solutions in their own right, the NUAIR Alliance comes together to enable the NUAIR Center of Excellence – headquarters of Advanced Air Mobility in Central New York and influencing the Next generation of aviation around the globe. Aloft offers the Alliance an industry-leading platform that unifies the mission, the aircraft, and the data to enable safe and reliable drone use – removing complexity and simplifying operations. In this blog, we’ve invited the team to introduce themselves…
Can you explain what Aloft does as if we knew nothing about it or the aviation market?
Aloft specializes in airspace and drone fleet management software. Imagine you have a bunch of drones flying around doing different tasks like monitoring crops, inspecting buildings, or delivering packages. Aloft’s software helps keep track of all those drones, making sure they’re where they’re supposed to be, doing what they’re supposed to do, and coming back safely. It’s like air traffic control but for drones, helping businesses and governments use drones more efficiently and safely.
What is the history of Aloft and how did the organization get started in this space?
Aloft was founded in 2015 by Josh Ziering and Jon Hegranes. Fueled by their passion for the intersection of model aircraft and technology, they envisioned the impending aviation revolution as a remarkable opportunity to shape the future of flight. Their belief in a future where drones and electrified aircraft would democratize airspace and revolutionize transportation drove them to establish Aloft. They aimed to usher in an era where the airspace could be utilized by individuals, businesses, and governments in innovative ways, similar to how the internet transformed various industries. With this vision, Aloft embarked on a journey to develop cutting-edge solutions that would empower stakeholders to leverage the skies in unprecedented ways.
What are three ways that Aloft changes the landscape of our industry?
- Airspace Access: Aloft was in the first group of companies to become an FAA-approved USS in 2018, and we’ve grown to power the vast majority of all airspace authorizations. Providing airspace awareness and access is fundamental to flight, and Aloft is in its own tier of opening the airspace.
- Enhanced Efficiency: We’re fortunate to work with the largest and most advanced drone programs in the world, and Aloft’s drone fleet management software streamlines operations by optimizing flight routes, scheduling tasks, and automating processes and reporting. This efficiency enables businesses to accomplish tasks more quickly and to scale more cost-effectively.
- Improved Safety: By providing real-time airspace monitoring and control capabilities, Aloft’s solution enhances safety in drone operations. It helps prevent accidents, mitigates risks, and ensures compliance with regulations, thereby fostering a safer environment for both drone operators and the public.
What makes Aloft different from other providers in the market?
Our team and product/solution stand out in the market due to several key factors:
- Expertise and Experience: Our team consists of industry veterans with deep expertise in aviation, drone technology, and software development. We bring years of experience and a proven track record of success to the table, enabling us to understand and address the unique challenges and opportunities in the industry.
- Comprehensive Solution: Unlike many other offerings in the market that focus on specific aspects of drone operations, our product/solution provides a comprehensive suite of tools for end-to-end drone fleet management — combined with integrated airspace management as an FAA-approved USS. From mission planning and execution to real-time monitoring and analytics, we offer everything businesses need to effectively manage their drone operations from a single platform.
- Flexibility and Customization: We understand that every business is different, with unique goals, workflows, and requirements. That’s why we’ve designed our platform to be highly flexible and customizable, allowing our customers to tailor it to their specific needs and integrate it seamlessly into their existing workflows and systems, regardless of industry, aircraft, or use case.
- Future-Proof Technology: We are committed to staying ahead of the curve and embracing emerging technologies and industry trends. Our platform is built on a foundation of scalable and modular architecture, ensuring that it can easily adapt to future innovations and regulatory changes, keeping our customers ahead of the curve and future-proofing their investments.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Above all, we are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and support. We work closely with our customers to understand their needs and challenges, and we are committed to delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed their expectations. Our focus on building long-term partnerships and delivering tangible value sets us apart and makes us the preferred choice for businesses looking to unlock the full potential of drone technology.
What is the biggest takeaway you want people reading this to know about Aloft?
Our biggest takeaway is our commitment to continual innovation. As drone technologies evolve, regulations change, and standards mature, we understand that our customers and partners aren’t just choosing the best solution for today, but more importantly, they are selecting a platform that will adapt and evolve with the industry’s needs in the years to come. At Aloft, we pride ourselves on not only delivering cutting-edge solutions today but also ensuring that our platform remains at the forefront of advancements, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. We strive to be the trusted partner that our customers and partners can rely on as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of drone technology and airspace management.
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