Innov’ATM has announced a significant advancement in the cross-border Niu.link medical drone program. In a recent LinkedIn post, the company detailed a successful test flight campaign at Lleida-Alguaire Airport, conducted with partner Pirineos Drone. This field trial validated several core components of its U-space services, including the operation of its U-SpaceTracker F200 antenna for detecting both drones and manned aircraft, verifying reliable communication links between the ground control system and antennas, and testing a real-time monitoring service. This service generates immediate alerts for incidents like corridor deviations or airspace incursions.
The Niu.link initiative aims to pioneer the first cross-border biomedical transport network using drones, focusing on connecting remote areas of the Pyrenees. The proposed service corridors, such as between hospitals in Puigcerdà and Saillagouse or La Seu d’Urgell and Andorra, are designed to provide critical logistical support to hospitals, labs, and residents in depopulated regions.
The project consortium, led by Aeroports de Catalunya, also includes UAM technology firms like PildoLabs and Innov’ATM, operators such as Instradrones, and several universities. Their work is supported by the development of an experimental vertiport at Lleida Airport, intended to integrate corridor technologies and attract industry investment. The overall goal is to create a scalable, socially impactful model for advanced aerial medical logistics.
