Burgas – a future center for urban air mobility
Burgas has the potential to become a key hub for air taxis, transport drones, and other unmanned aerial vehicles. This was made clear during the fifth edition of the International Forum for Air Transport Connectivity and Tourism (ATCT).
The chairman of the Bulgarian Aviation Industry Association (BAIA), Todor Ivandzhikov, pointed out that the city possesses unique advantages for the development of this innovative sector.
Ravnets Airport – the ideal testing ground
BAIA has already proposed to the mayor of Burgas, Dimitar Nikolov, that the former military airbase "Ravnets" be transformed into a testing center. Among the main advantages are:
- Proximity to the Black Sea for safe testing in a real-world environment.
- Ability to operate away from the shore, which minimizes risks.
- Strategic geographic location.
Global trends versus European regulations
While countries like the USA and the United Arab Emirates are planning to launch air taxis as early as this year, Europe is lagging behind due to heavy regulations. According to experts, Bulgaria has a chance to benefit from the global experience of Germany, Spain, and Great Britain to accelerate the implementation of unmanned technologies.