PwC - ARPAS UK

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DRONES IN ACTION: Train Track Inspection

Drones in Action End User Stories:

£1 million Network Rail savings annually* thanks to a drone-based survey solution by Plowman Craven. The system operates 20 metres above the tracks with precision accuracy of +/- 5mm – meeting Network Rail’s requirements without disrupting services or putting workers at risk.

Traditional inspection methods often require access to live tracks, leading to service interruptions and safety concerns. In contrast, this approach removes the need for on-track workers and helps avoid the typical six-week lead time for possession, accelerating project timelines and reducing costs.

Learn how this “boots-off-ballast” approach is transforming rail inspection across the UK.

See more below

Train Track Inspection Download

Learn more about Plowman Craven

Read our most recent Drones in Action Report in full

The report explores how drones are transforming industries – from asset inspection and precision agriculture to complex oil and gas infrastructures – enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability across sectors. We update every 6 months.

4 April 2025

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PwC: Drone Deliveries: Taking Retail & Logistics to New Heights

The Future of Retail and Logistics: The Sky’s the Limit with Drone Deliveries

The retail and logistics sectors are on the cusp of a revolutionary change, driven by the advent of drone technology. A recent report by PwC’s Drone Powered Solutions – Global Center of Excellence in Drone and Geospatial Technologies – has shed light on the transformative potential of drone deliveries in these industries.

The report, “Drone Deliveries: Taking Retail and Logistics to New Heights,” provides a comprehensive analysis of the market potential for drone deliveries, particularly in the business-to-consumer (B2C) segment. It suggests that by integrating drone deliveries, retailers and logistics companies can significantly enhance customer experience, tap into new customer segments, and streamline their operations.

One of the key insights from the report is the projection of a steep increase in B2C drone deliveries. From an estimated 14,000 daily deliveries in 2024, the number is expected to skyrocket to 808 million within a decade. This growth trajectory is not just about quantity; it’s also about cost-efficiency. The current cost per delivery ranges between $6 and $25, but this is anticipated to drop by more than 70% over the next ten years. Such a reduction would not only make drone deliveries competitive with traditional last-mile delivery costs but could potentially surpass them, marking an inflection point for the industry.

The economic implications are vast. The value of goods delivered to consumers by drones is projected to grow by 74% annually, from $251 million in 2024 to a staggering $65,177 million in 2034. This growth is not uniform across all geographies, though. Urban centers, with their unique challenges such as safety risks, fewer suitable landing zones, and complex infrastructure needs, are expected to see a slower adoption rate. In contrast, suburban, rural, and remote areas, which often lack efficient delivery options, are poised to benefit sooner from drone deliveries.

The report also touches on the challenges that need to be addressed to realize the full potential of drone deliveries. These include creating the necessary infrastructure, particularly in urban areas, and navigating the regulatory landscape to ensure safety and privacy concerns are met.

For investors, the burgeoning drone delivery market presents an exciting opportunity. The sector’s growth is fueled by technological advancements and the increasing demand for faster, more efficient delivery services. As the report indicates, the next decade could see drone deliveries become a common sight, transforming the way we think about retail and logistics.

The PwC report is a call to action for businesses to consider how they can leverage drone technology to stay ahead of the curve. It’s not just about keeping up with the competition; it’s about redefining the industry and setting new standards for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

The future is looking up, and it seems the sky is not the limit after all – at least, not for the innovative world of drone deliveries.

Read the PwC Report

For further industry reports, click here.

13 November 2024

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PwC Skies Without Limits V3.0 Presented at DroneX 2024

An insight into the progress of the UK drone industry from 2021 to 2024

During this year’s DroneX 2024 Tradeshow, PwC presented their new report ‘Skies Without Limits V3.0‘. The previous PwC reports were industry reference publications, no doubt this update will an excellent read for many of our readers.

Read more about V3.0

27 September 2024

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PwC: Strategic Insights for Thriving in the Unmanned Traffic Management Ecosystem

Here’s a summary of the report on Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) from PwC Drone Powered Solutions:

Topic: The report focuses on the UTM ecosystem and its role in enabling the drone sector.
Key Insights:
- Challenges and Opportunities: The report highlights challenges and opportunities within the industry. It provides insights for public authorities, service providers, and other stakeholders to collaborate effectively.
- Future Landscape: Over the next five years, the global UTM market is expected to double in size, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.4%. This growth will lead to an estimated 28 million drone operations.
- Urgent Need for Robust UTM Systems: To ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable integration of unmanned aircraft into global airspace and air traffic, robust UTM systems are essential.
- Drone Delivery as a Driver: Drone delivery is anticipated to drive UTM market scalability.
- Challenges: Advanced drone operations face additional obstacles that require innovative solutions in air traffic and airspace management.

Overall, the report emphasizes the pivotal role of UTM in shaping a future where drones significantly contribute to various industries, enhance service delivery, and foster innovation and growth.

Read the report

June 2024

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DroneX & ARPAS-UK Keynote Speech: 27 Sept 2023 at 2pm

DroneX is nearly upon us, and here at ARPAS-UK, we’re busy getting ready!

2023 Update and Latest Market Outlook

Key Note Theatre: 27 Sept 2023 at 2pm

2023 is a busy year, and we expect the same in 2024: Join us to review key regulatory and industry engagement updates.

We will also welcome our members, PwC with Craig Roberts, Head of Drones, and Frost & Sullivan with Michael Rowe, VP Global Aerospace. They will share highlights of their latest industry reports on the perception of drones and the Advanced Air Mobility AAM market opportunity.

ARPAS UK are proud to announce for the third year running to be the official headline partner for DroneX Tradeshow & Conference which will be taking place on the 26th & 27th September at the ExCeL London.

The successful delivery of the 2022 edition led to DroneX being nominated for an industry award by Exhibition News which recognises exhibitions that are breaking boundaries against longer running trade shows! Additionally, the show has also gained a reputation as Europe’s leading business event dedicated to the UAV industry and we are proud to be supporting the team once again for another successful edition!

DroneX is the central platform for the industry ecosystem to enhance conversations that will drive change and act as a voice to push the industry forward to achieve the goals of a safer, more sustainable integrated airspace. The show highlighted the importance of the future of the airspace and played an integral role in signifying the impact that urban air mobility has on the industry. With keynote sessions from thought-leaders such as David Stepanek from Bristow discussing the early adoption of advanced air mobility, followed by other key players including Lilium, Rolls-Royce Electrical, Ehang, NATS, CAA and the Minister of Aviation. It was clear that the demand was to ensure the future of air mobility can benefit from a platform to further connect the ecosystem.

Advanced Air Mobility Expo will allow those within the industry that had a preview from our previous edition its very own hub to source the latest advancements, engage and network with industry professionals and gain insight into the growing market. The show will see the launch of AAM connect, a dedicated networking space, 100 expert-led seminars and over 300 hand-picked exhibitors. In addition, an opportunity to take advantage of over 50 hours of unmissable content from leading experts and keynote speakers, all covering the key aspects of Public acceptance, Sustainability, Infrastructure, Vehicle Development, Traffic and Operations and Safety/ Regulations.

With that said, the Advanced Air Mobility Expo will be taking place next door to the
DroneX Tradeshow & Conference and Helitech Expo on the 26th & 27th September at
the ExCeL London and promises to continue its goals of becoming the leading business
event for the future and integration of airspace.

SAM IS ....

PwC’s Inspiring Insights for opportunities within the UK Drone Industry

PwC: Building Trust in Commercial Drones

“Only 43% think industry is using commercial drones effectively”. Recently, PwC UK published Trust in Commercial Drones, an assessment of how industry attitudes to drones have changed over the past three years and the implications for actions to grow the UK drone economy. PwC stated “It was our pleasure to work with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology team on this project”.

The 2022 Skies Without Limits v2.0 (PwC) report showed the considerable potential for drones to positively impact the UK economy. The report noted that, to achieve this potential, there were several barriers to overcome. These included perception, (manner of drone) implementation, technology, regulation and skills.

In late 2022, PwC refreshed the 2019 “Building Trust in Drones” market research to assess how business attitudes towards drones have changed over the last 3 years. They went further than the 2019 work and tested the market research findings with selected drone industry players who either purchased drone services or provided drone services.

Selected findings:

72% feel positive about commercial drones…

Drones expected to deliver benefits:
– Time savings (88%)
– Carbon reduction (87%)
– Safety (86%)
– Cost reduction (86%)
– Productivity (84%)

Use cases strongly supported:
– Search and Rescue (88%)
– Infrastructure inspection (87%)
– Monitoring emergencies (86%)
– Agriculture (85%)
– Tracking criminals (83%)

…but only 43% think industry is using commercial drones effectively.

Issues include drone service provider credibility, clarity of drone benefits, lack of industry-specific qualifications and restrictive regulations.

The drone industry thinks action is needed on :
– Regulation
– Publicity
– Funding
– Qualifications
– Business case

Focussing regulatory efforts in market segments with compelling use cases may accelerate drone adoption.

Graham Brown, Chairman of ARPAS-UK, commented that the article is “an interesting read.” Additionally, Craig Lippett, Head of Technical Services at Eagle Eye Innovations Ltd, commented “…a fascinating and encouraging read…” Their positive feedback further emphasises the value and significance of the insights provided by PwC in their analysis of the UK drone economy.

Read the full report at:

https://www.pwc.co.uk/issues/emerging-technologies/drones/building-trust-commercial-drones.html

This article has been adapted from an original LinkedIn post by Craig Roberts, Head of Drones at PWC. PWC are an ARPAS-UK Member.

16 June 2023

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PwC: Drone Perception Study Feedback Requested

Earlier this year PwC released an updated economic report (Skies Without Limits v2.0) looking at the potential economic impact of drones on the UK economy by 2030. The report identifies some barriers that may impact UK drone adoption and one of these is the industry perception of drones.

To understand this in more detail, PwC are currently working alongside BEIS to update their 2019 drone perception study, looking at how Industry views drone technology and the potential barriers to adoption.

They are now testing some of the themes that emerged from the study with a small number of stakeholders and would appreciate it if you could share your views by completing the interview questions below.

Please return the completed survey to [email protected]

PwC Industry Perception Study 2022 – Interview FinalDownload

Please return by 14 December 2022

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Skies without Limits v2.0: PwC

PwC have launched their updated reported on the impact drones will have on the UK’s economy, productivity, jobs and quality of life. The original report was published in 2018.

Drones offer public and private organisations an opportunity to carry out tasks faster, safer, cheaper and with less impact on the environment than traditional methods. This report focuses on these types of drone operations, which PwC refers to as “Commercial Drones”, excluding drones used by hobbyists, drones used to transport passengers and counter-drone solutions.

Drones could contribute up to £45bn to the UK economy
More than 900,000 drones could operate in the UK’s skies
£22bn in net cost savings may be realised
Carbon emissions could be reduced by 2.4M tons
650,000 jobs could be associated with an economy that fully adopts drones

For further information, read on…

July 2022

SAM IS ....

Building Trust in Drones

PwC have launched their updated reported on the impact drones will have on the UK’s economy, productivity, jobs and quality of life. The original report was published in 2018.

Drones could contribute up to £45bn to the UK economy
More than 900,000 drones could operate in the UK’s skies
£22bn in net cost savings may be realised
Carbon emissions could be reduced by 2.4M tons
650,000 jobs could be associated with an economy that fully adopts drones

PwC-Building-trust-in-drones-final Download

SAM IS ....

Building Trust in Drones

Drone technology presents an unprecedented opportunity for businesses and society. From reducing traffic on our roads, to speeding up the delivery of aid and urgent medical supplies, there is much drones can do. They are already proving an excellent tool for businesses, who are using drones to better manage and maintain their assets and reduce the amount of working at height. They are also capable of going into hostile or inaccessible environments for the purposes of search and rescue or research, relaying images and data and bringing new capabilities to sectors such as the emergency services, academia and the scientific community.

‘Amazing but scary’

But to deliver on the promise of drones, it is important the public is on-side and businesses see and understand the potential. To achieve these goals there are some hurdles to overcome.

PwC research into public and business attitudes towards drones has revealed less than a third (31%) of the UK public currently feel positive towards drone technology.

Our research also found many people are unsure and waiting to be convinced. Others admit they simply don’t know enough about the technology. One member of the public described drones as “amazing but scary”. A business respondent said they are “not sure what [drones] are capable of doing”.

Public and business trust is there to be won. But to do so requires three factors to be addressed: Education, Accountability and Reward and Benefit. It is human nature that we trust things more when we understand them, when we know who to contact if something goes wrong, and we know what’s in it for us.

Research methodology:

The research was carried out during April 2019 by Opinium. It surveyed 1,520 UK adults, sampled and weighted to be representative of the UK adult population, and 252 senior business decision makers in sectors likely to see increased drone usage.