It was yesterday at Bordeaux, that the third edition of the UAV Show, the first European event on drones opened. A show that was inaugurated by the Secretary of State for Transport, Alain Vidalies.
It must be said that France is the first European country to have adopted regulations on the use of civilian drones, thus promoting their development. 400 of the 900 drone professionals listed in Europe are in France.
This vibrant market, both in its civilian and military applications, is expected to double by 2022, and represent $ 11.4 billion worldwide. A development due in part to the professionalism and structure of the industry.
Hubert Forgeot, AMAE group :
"Two years ago, it was difficult to convince our clients to use drones, although this is something that is becoming more and more accepted by a growing client base. Large operators, and property owners, be it either manufacturers or power transmission network companies use drones automatically. "
As proof of this market development, alongside drone designers, operators, and technology suppliers, other suppliers are present here at the show, notably for U.A.V. transportation.
Bruno Pape, Peli Product :
"Drones are devices that have high added value, which are all the same relatively fragile, but which are taken everywhere, so it is important to protect them well during transportation."
The International U.A.V. Show has 40% foreign exhibitors. France, a world leader in the ??drone sector and the European leader, has a position partly due to the involvement of local institutions.
Christophe Mazel, Chief Executive Officer - Fly-n-Sense :
"I can cite the Aquitaine region because I know it well, with its president, Alain Rousset, who believes in new technologies and who has implicit trust in companies like ours from the outset of the incubation period for our development projects."
A regional engagement confirmed yesterday by the signing of the creation of C.E.S.A. Drones, the first drone centre in France.
Alain Rousset, President of the Aquitaine region :
"If you want to allow drones to fly, there must come a time when they have to undergo safety tests. And to do that, you cannot do it just anywhere. We are lucky to have lots of military exercise sites where, in conjunction with the D.G.C.A. (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), we can carry out this type of standardization. So there you are, we try to go through the whole process right to the end."
6,500 visitors are expected by the 80 exhibitors, until September 11 - 20% more than in 2012.
