Birchwood Hotel OR Tambo, Johannesburg South Africa, The Drone and Unmanned Aviation Conference kicked off today on day one, bringing together leading experts and enthusiasts to discuss the rapid evolution and application of drone technology in various industries. This highly anticipated event, hosted by Bussynet Advanced Trading, has attracted renowned speakers and participants eager to explore the opportunities and challenges in unmanned aviation.

Kim James, affectionately known as the ‘Drone Chick‘, co-founder and director of UAV Aerial, opened the conference with compelling remarks. She set the tone for the event by emphasizing the transformative impact of drones across industries such as healthcare, cargo delivery, agriculture, construction, mining, disaster prevention, and public safety. Her enthusiasm reflected the growing role of drones in addressing critical societal needs.

Sonet Kock, a leading aviation regulatory compliance expert and founder of Avi Comply, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on drone regulations and compliance. She highlighted the development of South African drone regulations while comparing international frameworks like those of EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). Sonet proposed a South African model for crafting a digital drone ecosystem, emphasizing categorization, implementation, and risk management. Her call for collective action and urgency in regulating drone technology resonated with attendees.

Darryl Epsten, managing director of Delta Scan, underscored the importance of advancing critical infrastructure inspections through drone technology. His presentation illustrated the invaluable role of drones in enhancing efficiency and safety in critical operations.

The conference continues to feature global research and discussions on UAV engineering, design, airspace management, education, and innovation. Renowned speakers, including Geico Kuhn (CEO of UDS – UAV and Drone Solutions), Sam Twala (founder of Ntsu and award-winning drone industry specialist), Dwayne Cloete (expert in unmanned aerial systems and flight training), Louise Jupp (authority on commercial drone applications), Cleon Moore (geospatial data governance expert), and Kopano Thlolo (specialist in drone insurance), promise a wealth of insights and expertise.

Participants can delve into the legal frameworks surrounding drone use, explore the latest advancements in UAV applications, and engage in discussions about building a secure, inclusive digital ecosystem for drone technology. This conference is a hub for innovation, collaboration, and the future of unmanned aviation.

The Drone and Unmanned Aviation Conference is an exciting event driving the integration of drone technology into mainstream applications and shaping its future role in South Africa and beyond.