Canada’s Edmonton Airport deploys Robird drone to enhance wildlife control

TINNews |

TIN news: Canada’s Edmonton International Airport (EIA) has deployed a full suite of unmanned aerial system (UAS) services to enhance its daily operations.

Beginning in the second quarter of 2017, bird control service provider Clear Flight Solutions (CFS) and 'UAV-as-a-service' provider AERIUM Analytics will focus on safely incorporating Robird and integrated drone technology at the airport.

The UAS solutions will be integrated to improve EIA's wildlife management plan, while ensuring continued growth of the Edmonton Metro Region's 'aerotropolis'.

CFS's Robird technology will guide birds safely away from air traffic, while ensuring that they do not nest near airside operations and glide paths.

Robird is a proven technology that offers effective, ecologically friendly solution for bird control.

The robotic system imitates the flight of an actual falcon and easily convinces other birds of the presence of a predator in the area.

"We currently operate our Robirds in a variety of places, but taking the step towards full integration within daily operations at an airport is huge."

CFS chief executive officer Nico Nijenhuis said: “We currently operate our Robirds in a variety of places, but taking the step towards full integration within daily operations at an airport is huge.

“For years, there has been a lot of interest from airports. To now officially start integrating our operations at a major Canadian airport is absolutely fantastic.”

As part of the deployment, CFS AERIUM will provide UAS mapping and inspections services to help EIA in its maintenance programmes and future economic development efforts.

The UAS missions, which were conducted under tight supervision within 400m of active runways, have already proven competency and met safety and hazard identification risk assessment requirements.