Page 43 - World Airnews Magazine May Edition 2021

COMMERCIAL DRONES

COMAIR DELISTED DRONES TO REPLACE

HELICOPTERS

By Andrew Curran
By Jenness Mitchell

P Energy Networks has announced
Sit will use drones instead of helicop-
ters to inspect its electricity transmission
network.

The Scottish Power-owned company said
it is making the switch to reduce costs and to

deliver ‘environmental benefits’ to help con-
tribute towards its net-zero emissions targets.

Previous inspection work has solely been
carried out using helicopters to visually

assess the towers on the firm’s transmis-
sion network.
However, following a successful trial pe-

riod last year, a fleet of drones will now be

carrying out condition-based assessments
across the network in central and southern integrity and security - ultimately keeping environment and the imagery we obtain

Scotland. the lights on. is of a high standard due to the flexibility
Drone-based inspection firm Cyberhawk Pearse Murray, transmission director for of the drones in assessing tower condi-

has been awarded a contract until the SP Energy Networks said, “It’s a massive tions, meaning we can make even more

end of 2022 to carry out the inspections, undertaking to complete the regular in- informed decisions.

utilising its iHawk software to collect data spection of the many towers on our trans- “Following the successful trial, we also

against 85 different points on the towers. mission network but the drone technology realised that the drones dramatically mini-

This will allow SP Transmission to assess represents a significant step forward for a mise the impacts on landowners and make
any network risk and inform future in- number of reasons. it much easier to arrange access to land
vestment, enhancing network resilience, “Firstly, it’s hugely beneficial for the when we require it.” Q

it was going into a formal business rescue and/or able to take the necessary and ap-
programme. propriate steps to do so with the objective

outh Africa’s Comair has delisted “Comair remains solvent,” said CEO of reinstating its listing. NEWS

Sfrom the Johannesburg Stock Ex- Wrenelle Stander at the time. “(Comair) can now apply for funding in
“This is a necessary process to ensure
change as part of its restructuring efforts. a focussed restructuring of the company the sum of R100 million ($6.7 million) under

the COVID-19 Loan Guarantee Scheme put
Stocks in the airline had been publicly takes place as quickly as possible so we in place between the South African Reserve COMMERCIAL UAV EXPO AMERICAS
trading on the exchange since 1998. But can take to the skies again as a sustainable Bank and large commercial banks. The
with a consortium of seven companies business and play our part in the county’s COVID funding is critical to the Company’s

owning 99% of the shares and the airline airline industry.” survival.” porters have signed on as supporting forcement, fire, search and rescue, and

attempting to fly its way out of financial With South Africa having recorded over partners for this year’s event, as Com- other emergency services for strategic
In December last year Comair resumed

difficulties, the delisting surprised no one. flying. The airline also re-introduced do- 1.5 million cases of COVID and some highly rganisers of the annual Com- mercial UAV Expo Americas has firmly discussions and workshops surrounding

The recent delisting clears the way for mestic British Airways’ routes it previously infectious strains emerging from the area, Omercial UAV Expo Americas, established itself as the leading event to the evolving use of unmanned aircraft

Comair to apply for a (US) $6.9 million loan operated. Comair operates two brands, travel to, from, and within the country has the leading commercial drone trade bring the industry safely back together systems.

under the South African government’s loan the low-cost carrier Kulula brand, and the been restricted for much of the past year. show and conference in North Ameri- and serve professionals integrating and New this year, the UAM Summit,

guarantee scheme. Comair can use that full-service British Airways brand. The South African government now operating commercial UAS.” organised by Amsterdam Drone Week,

money for operational expenses, such as The airline uses the British Airways brand permits some travel into and around South ca, have announced an impressive list Current supporters of the 2021 event, will be a platform for knowledge-shar-

salaries, rent and lease agreements, and under license. In the lead-up to resuming Africa. That includes travel to over 20 air- of more than 225 supporters from six including trade media, portals, associa- ing and where key players co-create and

contracts with suppliers. flights, Comair found new backers who ports within South Africa. continents for the 2021 event. tions, user groups, government entities, co-operate to create urban air mobility

The loan is not available to listed pumped cash into the airline in exchange “We were hurt by the lockdown during The event will take place in Septem- and non-profits. solutions together.

companies. for a 99% ownership stake in Comair. the second wave of COVID-19 infections in ber 7-9 at The Mirage Las Vegas, Las The 2019 edition of Commercial UAV Full event information, including work-

Simple Flying has extensively covered the South Africa from the beginning of January Vegas Nevada. Hundreds of associations Expo Americas drew in 3,100 attend- shops, conference programming, net-
problems facing Comair and the South Afri- DELISTING DECISION MADE, until mid-February. But we are seeing and media companies have already ees, more than 200 exhibitors, and working events and more will be available

can aviation industry. The airline industry in COMAIR KEEPS FLYING a strong pickup in traffic in March’ with signed on as supporters of Commercial more than 200 presenters from over 50 soon. Registration for the 2021 event will

South Africa and across much of wider Af- According to the latest status report on the load factors of over 75%. We are currently UAV Expo Americas 2021. countries. open in June – stay in the know.
rica was in trouble before the onset of the ongoing business rescue, Comair was asked operating 17 aircraft,” South African news “Industry leaders have clearly cast Special features of the 2021 event For more information about the

global travel downturn last year. COVID-19 by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange to site fin24 has reported Comair CEO Glenn their votes for Commercial UAV Expo include live outdoor drone demon- Commercial UAV Expo, visit Exhibiting

brought the structural and financial prob- decide whether to stay listed or not. Orsmond as having said. Americas in 2021,” said Lee Corkhill, strations and the DRONERESPONDERS Information or contact Katherine Dow,

lems dogging African airlines like Comair The status report of March 31 recorded Comair will stay a public company. The group director at Diversified Communi- Public Safety Summit with two full days sales manager at kdow@divcom.com. For

into the spotlight. In March 2020, Comair the following; controlling stockholders will soon make an cations, organiser of the event. of programming for drone operators attending information, visit www.expou-

suspended its flying. “(Comair) is not in a position to either offer to purchase the remaining 1% of stock “225+ media and association sup- and program managers across law en- av.com or email info@expouav.com. Q

In May last year, the airline announced comply with the JSE Listing Requirements held by minority shareholders. Q

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