The Kansas Department of Transportation announced the addition of UPS Flight Forward (UPSFF), Vigilent and Lemasters Group Consulting Services as the newest members of the Kansas Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP) during Aviation Day at the Capitol on March 12.
“UPS Flight Forward has a very positive relationship with KDOT Aviation, and we look forward to contributing decades of flight risk management expertise toward achieving their strategic objectives. We also believe Kansas’ culture of innovation is fertile ground for fresh growth in the aviation industry that will advance our vision for future UAS delivery solutions,” said Myron Wright, President of UPS Flight Forward.
UPSFF, Vigilent and Lemasters Group’s new ventures in Kansas will join a population of over 700 Kansas companies that produce $20.6 billion state economic impact from aviation.
“We are thrilled to have KDOT’s Aviation program work together with these industry-leading organizations and consider these new partnerships key to unlocking the potential of UAS in way that ensures flight safety and protects personal privacy,” said Kansas Secretary Julie Lorenz.
The Kansas UAS IPP team has achieved a number of firsts in aviation – the first UAS inspection of an international airport, the first statewide unmanned traffic management system and the first UAS flight beyond-line-of-sight without ground radar, among others. KDOT Aviation leads this effort and represents 34 industry, university and state agency partners working together to advance economic development through transportation technologies that either make money, save money or save lives.
