Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS): A Growing Opportunity for Certified Drone Pilots

 A drone was initially used primarily for military purposes or as a toy by drone enthusiasts. Although various other applications have emerged in recent years, the concept of drone-as-a-service (Daas) is getting popular with every passing day. It is a business model that offers companies the opportunity to utilize drone technology to its fullest extent, without the need to purchase or operate the equipment themselves.  As a result, a significant amount of money is saved in both the short and long run. 

Daas is utilized in various industries, including agriculture, construction, search and rescue, package delivery, insurance, and videography. Daas has proven valuable, spanning from hardware to computer code to drone applications, and has become a powerful tool to support various businesses.

For example, a company aiming to utilize a drone service can work with a drone company that has the hardware, software, and human resources. The drone company will then accomplish the task for the company. The Global Daas market is expected to reach around USD 62 billion by 2029.

There are various types of drones used in Drones as a Service. Here are the drones, based on the number of rotors. These are as follows,

These drones have over two rotors with fixed-pitch blades, letting them to take off and land vertically without a runway. These drones have a straightforward design and stability, making them widely used in industrial and agricultural settings.  In agriculture, farmers can operate multirotor drones that carry various payloads, for example, pesticides or seeds, making them highly effective for spraying and seeding.

They resemble planes and can carry diverse payloads and data-link equipment. Fixed-wing drones have the longest range. However, they require a runway during takeoff or landing.  To mitigate this issue, manufacturers are developing fixed-wing aircraft fortified with Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) technology, which allows them to take off vertically and transition to horizontal flight. 

These are mainly used in overseas freight and cargo delivery. Whether transporting packages between tankers or to neighbouring countries, fixed-wing drones can easily carry and deliver payloads.

These are much more efficient than their multi-rotor counterparts, needing less energy to sustain elevation. This leads to extended flight periods and augmented coverage, making them suitable for long flight tasks.  These drones prove their worth by carrying specialized equipment for inspecting and monitoring pipelines, power lines or bridges while causing minimal disturbance to the environment. 

 In addition to agriculture and infrastructure, Daas is also utilized by mining companies, which use drone services for mine site planning, site monitoring and maintenance, mapping and surveying, etc.  Apart from this, construction, telecom and oil and gas sectors are also using drone-as-a-service.

The uses of drones are still evolving. The industry is still facing challenges, and drone manufacturers are seeking solutions. One of the major hurdles is the battery time of the drones. Manufacturers are seeking a replacement for traditional drone batteries and they have found one in hydrogen fuel cells. They will last for a longer time, operate silently and can be refuelled quickly.

Furthermore, in remote areas, many people are hesitant to adopt drones for farming. Spreading awareness, providing education and training can help them understand the advantages of Drone as a Service and encourage acceptance. 

In India, NAMO Drone Didi, an initiative announced by the PM during interaction with beneficiaries in Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, supports the supply of drones to 15,000 women Self Help Groups to rent to farmers for agriculture purposes and is an exceptional example of harnessing tech innovation to empower rural women.

In India, DaaS activities are offering support. They are at present working to bring connectivity to areas facing logistical challenges. For instance, in a medical centre named Nizamabad in Telangana, a warehouse was set up, linking 21 villages and tier-3 cities, posing challenges.  They transport medicines from warehouses to hospitals and plan to connect Hyderabad by introducing a drone-based alternative transportation system. Moreover, they are actively involved in Kolkata, offering a swift on-demand service in Howrah and Salt Lake.

• In 2021, the German government allocated 30 million euros towards the research and development of drone technology under its National Aerospace Research Programme.
• The European Union Aviation Safety Agency projects that the European drone market will surpass €15 billion by 2025. Particularly, most of this growth will be driven by the development of drone-based services.

Governments worldwide have established regulations to ensure the safe operation of drones. While these guidelines protect public safety, they can make it more difficult for new drone companies to start and limit the ways drones can be utilized. 

Apprehensions about security and privacy may initiate even stricter regulations, which could hinder the industry's growth. As of November 2021, 116 countries have drone regulations. The European Union (EU) has recently introduced regulations to promote the safe use of drones and foster market growth.

 The future of the Drone as a Service industry appears promising due to the growing adoption of drones, not just in India but worldwide.  The industry will grow to over Rs 30,000 crore in the following years, creating over 5,00,000 jobs. 

As the industry expands, it will also create numerous job opportunities for certified drone pilots. With the considerable growth of technology, other applications will also emerge, in which drones will play an integral part in the near future.

With Drone-as-a-Service (Daas) becoming increasingly popular in contemporary times, opportunities for certified drone pilots are also on the rise. To make the most of these opportunities, it is essential to be well-trained as a drone pilot. To become trained in operating drones, it is necessary to enroll in a drone training academy.

Flapone Aviation is one such academy that ensures all aspiring drone pilots receive well-trained instruction and the necessary certifications to launch their careers as commercial drone pilots.

 So, what are you waiting for? Come to us and start this challenging yet rewarding career, making a handsome living for yourself.