“The application opportunities and economic effects of unmanned aircraft are significant in global comparison, and accordingly Hungary is also striving to achieve a leading tole in the development of drone technology”, Minister for innovation and Technology László Palkovics declared on Friday at the HungaroControl drone conference in Budapest.

Citing international impact assessments, Mr. Palkovics noted that the market opportunities of drone technology could exceed ten billion euros-a-year on the continent, and the number of authorised drone flights in Hungary could increase tenfold to over 20 thousand within the near future. “Agriculture and forest management, logistics, freight and public transport already use such equipment on a daily basis, and drones are used to monitor network infrastructure and public services”, he added.

He stressed, however, that the regulatory environment must not just follow development, but promote it, and the challenges posed by drones must also be taken into account. From among these he highlighted a ban on unwanted flights, the protection of sensitive infrastructure, protected institution and public privacy, but added that there are many more opportunities inherent in the use of drones than there are dangers.

Mr. Palkovics welcomed the fact that Hungarian higher education institutions are undertaking a significant role n the development of drone technology and have recognised the importance of the related knowledge. He also called for the establishment of safe testing environments, but pointed out that the Zalaegerszeg test track can also be made suitable for such testing, meaning that, amongst others, interaction between drones and vehicles can also be examined in Zalaegerszeg.

The Minister said the Ministry for Innovation and Technology is cooperating with all of the organisations affected in the interests of exploiting drone technology in view of the fact that progress could improve growth and competitiveness prospects, as well as the quality of life of Hungarian families.

According to the Manging Director of HungaroControl, the proliferation of drones is not only significantly transforming air transport, but also everyday life. “State and industrial organisations, private individuals and enterprise alike are making use of unpiloted aerial vehicles, and the various directions of development are continuously expanding”, Kornél Szepessy added. He stressed, however, that fully exploiting the technology requires international cooperation and significant resources, and it can only be integrated into air transport amid strict aviation safety conditions.

(MTI)