AirMap Co-founder Ben Marcus Spotlighted: Innovation Focus
In 2015, Ben Marcus co-founded AirMap, a pioneering platform designed to revolutionise drone airspace management. With his background as a commercial pilot and flight instructor, Marcus aimed to integrate drones seamlessly into the national airspace system, alongside manned aircraft.
AirMap's innovative solution, one of the world's first real-time Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems, offers a comprehensive suite of features. These include dynamic airspace information, digital flight planning tools, real-time advisories, and automated authorizations. This enables both recreational and commercial drone pilots to plan and execute flights that comply with airspace regulations, avoid conflicts, and respond to real-time changes in airspace restrictions.
The platform's widespread adoption among drone pilots has solidified AirMap's status as a go-to tool for navigating controlled and restricted airspace. This has played a significant role in accelerating the adoption of UTM globally, influencing policy frameworks in the United States and internationally.
Marcus was instrumental in shaping AirMap's role in global airspace innovation. He worked closely with NASA, the FAA, and the European U-Space framework to advance standards for real-time drone traffic management. AirMap's integration with the FAA's LAANC system enabled near-instant flight approvals in controlled airspace.
AirMap's influence extends beyond its platform. The company established partnerships with multiple national aviation authorities around the world to offer localised airspace data and compliance services. This expansion saw AirMap operating in over 25 countries, providing localised UTM services and APIs to governments, airports, and enterprise clients.
Notable figures in the drone industry, such as Jacob Stoner, CEO of Flyeye.io, and Reese Mozer, Co-founder & CEO of American Robotics, have been associated with AirMap. Stoner, a licensed commercial drone operator in Canada, conducts frequent drone inspections and is respected in the local drone community. Mozer features in AirMap's "Don't Miss" series on the company's website.
In 2021, AirMap was acquired by DroneUp, a U.S.-based drone logistics company backed by Walmart. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in the integration of drones into everyday operations, further cementing AirMap's role in drone innovation and the drone industry.
As Marcus remains an active voice in the aviation and autonomy sectors, contributing to discussions around advanced air mobility (AAM), vertiports, and next-gen aviation infrastructure, AirMap continues to lead the way in ensuring safe and efficient drone operations worldwide.
[1] https://www.airmap.com/ [4] https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-marcus-5636463/ [Note: The links provided are for reference only and may not be accessible as they are not live links.]
- Ben Marcus, co-founder of AirMap, has been involved in finance and investments in the aerospace and technology industries, having partnered with national aviation authorities and companies like DroneUp.
- Marcus's pioneering work on AirMap, a real-time Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system, has revolutionized the drone industry, influencing policy frameworks and providing real-time airspace data and compliance services in over 25 countries.
- In the sports domain, Marcus has also made an impact through sports-betting, as AirMap's extensive data and analytics are potential assets for digital gaming and sports predictions platforms.
- Looking ahead, with the integration of drones into everyday operations and advanced air mobility (AAM) in various sectors, Marcus's contributions and AirMap's technology will continue to be key players in shaping future technologies in the real-estate, finance, and sports industries.
