FEAR & GREED | Business News Flying cars & the big money world of airspace rights
May 24, 2025
Stefan Von Imhof, from alts.co, offers insights into emerging opportunities in airspace rights and the low-altitude economy. They explore the groundbreaking technologies behind flying cars and drone deliveries, discussing the regulatory challenges that hinder their growth. The conversation highlights the need for streamlined regulations and innovative infrastructure, as they envision 'freedom cities' designed for these aerial vehicles. With big deals being made in airspace ownership, the potential for lucrative investments is both exciting and transformative.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Murky Low-Altitude Airspace Rights
- Airspace above 600 feet is generally government-owned; below that airspace rights are murky and mostly belong to property owners.
- This lower airspace is crucial for emerging air services like drone deliveries and air taxis but lacks a unified regulatory framework.
Drone Deliveries Save Lives in Rwanda
- In Rwanda, Zipline uses drones to deliver medical supplies to remote areas, demonstrating practical and lifesaving drone delivery use.
- The US and Australia are running small trials, but drone deliveries have yet to become mainstream.
Swoop Aero’s Global Drone Trials
- Australian company Swoop Aero operated globally with drone deliveries, including medicines in Africa and the South Pacific, but went into administration due to financial difficulties.
- This highlights the challenge of making drone delivery businesses financially viable despite technological advances.