CAAT, NT and High Lander use UTM technology for major drone delivery pilot in Bangkok

Thailand has taken a bold step toward a national UAS infrastructure with a significant national showcase of drone deliveries, managed by an integrated UAS traffic management (UTM) system.

The event, officially named “The New Era of Drone Delivery”, was led by Thailand’s National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT); the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT); and High Lander Aviation, a global provider of UTM technology; and a range of local and international technology providers.

NT and High Lander’s collaboration provided a successful, practical demonstration of the value of aerial deliveries in both the public and commercial realms. It also served as a test run of the digital infrastructure and ecosystem-wide collaboration required to enable the safe integration and operation of such services in urban airspaces, which will include advanced air mobility (AAM) applications in the future, as outlined in the Thai government’s roadmap.

High Lander’s Vega UTM integrated with NT’s advanced 5G network to provide real-time visibility, coordination, and safety across all participating drones. The system enabled operators to monitor live telemetry, receive flight authorizations, and autonomously avoid conflicts, supporting dozens of successful deliveries of medical, agricultural, and consumer goods throughout Bangkok.

“The New Era of Drone Delivery” also provided an essential showcase of ecosystem-wide collaboration. Participating in the demonstration were leading local companies such as Skyller Solutions, which executed aerial delivery of defibrillators (AED) across the Chao Phraya River; AMA Marine Public Company Limited, which transported medical supplies between key locations; NacDrone by Easy 2018 Company Limited, which transported agricultural goods between working fields and collection points; and Avilon Robotics, which delivered food between islands in collaboration with Bangkok Airways.

International technology providers played a key role. Connectivity between drones and Vega was bolstered by cellular signal analysis provided by Austria-based telecommunications specialist Dimetor, and Remote ID modules supplied by Czech Republic-based connectivity specialist DroneTag reinforced drone-UTM connectivity.

The event began with an official ceremony attended by over 200 invited guests. Comments were made by key figures, including Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport; Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society; Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the CAAT; Colonel Sanpachai Huvanandana, President of NT; and project participants, including Alon Abelson, CEO and founder of High Lander.

“CAAT’s role is to regulate aviation safety and promote the advancement of the aviation industry. Supporting innovation and technological development in unmanned aircraft and related systems is a key part of our mission,” said Chavanaprayoon. “NT’s infrastructure and digital platform for drone-based air transport are crucial elements that will enhance flight capabilities, enable effective air traffic management for drones, and raise the level of national airspace safety.”

“It was a great honor to provide airspace management services for this historic showcase of the future of aviation in Thailand with Vega UTM,” said Abelson. “‘The Future of Drone Delivery’ was a shining example of the potential of unmanned aviation in improving public safety and creating new economic opportunities on a national scale. With this, Thailand has recognized the necessity of a digital infrastructure that can manage this new air traffic and coordinate multiple airspace participants. Vega UTM proved that this infrastructure exists and is ready to enable a new generation of aircraft to operate freely in even the most complex airspaces, and in harmony with existing aviation.”