Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Airwards to recognise groundbreaking drone work

Aerospace Events

Airwards to recognise groundbreaking drone work

In an industry predicted to be worth $42.8 billion by 2025* and with drones continuing to transform a number of industries, a unifying global awards scheme - Airwards - recognising best practice drone work (also called UAS or UAV) has been launched, providing a not-for-profit awards platform which champions the breadth of pioneering work accomplished with drones.

Image courtesy Airwards

The first digital awards scheme of its kind to recognise the wide variety of positive drone use cases, submissions to Airwards are open until mid-March 2021, with winners announced in May. The award categories span a number of uses and sectors, including Technology, Operations, Supporting Services, specific Industries/Fields and Giving Back, with a People’s Choice category voted for by the public. Airwards will be looking for outstanding examples where drones are leading the way in innovation, responsibility and impactful real-world solutions.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Airwards founder, Richard Nichols, said: “We’re on a mission to advance the drone industry by championing the broad range of positive drone use cases from across the globe. 2020 proved a pivotal moment for the drone industry, so we believe the time is now for companies to come together and share their impactful drone work. Airwards was established not only as a way to bring the drone community together in one place, encouraging cross-industry collaboration, but also to raise awareness of positive drone uses with the wider public - ultimately working towards greater public acceptance of drones. We’re really looking forward to finding some incredible drone projects in our inaugural year and showcasing the inspiring stories behind them.”

Airwards Categories
As a global drone awards platform, Airwards, is open to a range of individuals and companies, including drone specialists transforming an industry, startups using drone technology for creative solutions, and large corporations driving innovation. Awards are grouped by discipline, with entries to the ‘Technology’, ‘Operations’, ‘Supporting Services’ and ‘Industry/Field’ categories starting from £49 for startups. ‘Giving Back’ is free to enter and ‘People’s Choice’ is by nomination-only and voted for by the public. For the full category list, visit the Airwards website.

Airwards Eligibility & Criteria
Entrants must successfully meet the Airwards eligibility to be able to enter, which includes relevant permits and licences for the project in the country of origin. Amongst others, the three main criteria the Airwards judges will be looking for, are:

  1. Innovative: Promoting pioneering ideas successfully challenging what a drone is / can be.
  2. Responsible: Recognising the key aspect of safety in every drone flight to advocate legitimate behaviour as a standard best practice.
  3. Real-world: Asking the question: ‘How are drones making a difference?’ by demonstrating quantifiable outcomes and tangible solutions.

Airwards launched in 2020 in association with ARPAS-UK, the not-for-profit trade association for the UK drone industry. Judges will be revealed in due course. Entrants will have from until 12 March 2021, with winners announced late May 2021.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025


For more details on entering, eligibility, pricing, judging criteria and FAQs, visit airwards.online .

 

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
EasyJet adds two more aircraft to its Birmingham Airport base

Aerospace

EasyJet adds two more aircraft to its Birmingham Airport base

2 May 2025

EasyJet is today celebrating the arrival of two additional aircraft at its Birmingham Airport base, supporting 800 jobs.

Aircraft orders up 73% in first quarter of 2025

Aerospace

Aircraft orders up 73% in first quarter of 2025

2 May 2025

A total of 521 aircraft orders were placed in the first quarter – representing a 73% increase compared to Q1 2024 – as demand rises for both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft, according to ADS.

ATOBA, easyJet and World Fuel sign MoU to develop SAF supply

Aerospace

ATOBA, easyJet and World Fuel sign MoU to develop SAF supply

1 May 2025

EasyJet and ATOBA Energy (ATOBA), in partnership with World Fuel Services (World Fuel), have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of long-term supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for easyJet’s operations in Europe and the UK.

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

1 May 2025

Kahootz and Shipley UK have announced a strategic partnership to enhance opportunity capture and bid management capabilities.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Semiconductor facility launches in Southampton

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

Semiconductor facility launches in Southampton

1 May 2025

A new facility using cutting edge electron beam technology to build the next generation of semiconductor chips - and the first of its kind in Europe - was opened yesterday at the University of Southampton by Science Minister Lord Vallance.

Heathrow opens bird watching tower

Aerospace

Heathrow opens bird watching tower

30 April 2025

Heathrow has unveiled its new Nature Traffic Control Tower, a birdwatching hideaway right in the heart of one of its 13 local nature conservation sites.

Advertisement
ODU RT