Air mobility in Ticino: the drone test in Ambrì (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief - First flight in Switzerland of the EH216-S electric aircraft in Ambrì. - 16-engine drone with people-carrying capacity. - Flight authorization obtained in only 4-5 months, valid until October. - Objective: to create a technological alternative to alpine cable cars. ## Key facts - What: Demonstration flight of electric vertical take-off aircraft. - When: Authorisation valid until October. - Where: Aerodrome of Ambrì, upper Leventina. - Who: Ticino company DroneVia and Chinese manufacturer EHang. - Capacity: Two passenger seats. In Ambrì, the EH216-S was officially presented, an electric vertical take-off aircraft (eVTOL) that marks a significant stage for technological innovation in the Canton of Ticino. It is the first aircraft of this type to fly in Swiss territory, equipped with sixteen engines and designed for the transport of people. The test carried out at Alta Leventina represents an operational milestone for the Ticino company DroneVia, which has been working for months on the preparation of this experimental phase. Currently, the company has obtained a flight authorization that will remain valid until October, during which time technical investigations will be conducted to demonstrate the safety of the aircraft. The inaugural flight took place without passengers on board. The project is part of a broader technological development strategy that sees the Canton committed to consolidating its Centre of competence

Operational details

The introduction of drones for transporting people in Ticino raises interesting questions about commuting and internal mobility, particularly for peripheral areas. While the current experimentation in Ambrì focuses on an alternative to funiculars, the potential of this technology is close to the daily challenges of connecting different valleys. Often, for a worker or resident, traveling between neighboring valleys involves long, winding, and costly road trips, especially during winter months or in heavy traffic conditions. The State Councillor Norman Gobbi has highlighted how innovation in drone technology could, in the future, overcome the physical limitations imposed by the mountain terrain. For the frontaliers operating in logistics or maintenance sectors, or for anyone who needs to frequently move around Ticino, adopting aerial routes could drastically change the perception of geographical distances. This is not an immediate solution, but a technological horizon that Ticino is actively monitoring. The added value for the territory lies in the ability to reduce travel times and offer sustainable mobility, reducing dependence on road transportation. Furthermore, the sector of technological innovation in Ticino is creating new professional opportunities, attracting specialized skills in aeronautical engineering, maintenance, and flight data management. To understand how mobility will change in the territory, it is possible to consult the analyses on cost of living and the daily movement dynamics that affect daily commuting by frontaliers. The presence of a competence center dedicated to drones in Ticino is not just a matter of academic pride, but an economic engine that could generate new high-value jobs, consolidating Ticino's attractiveness for international technological companies interested in operating in a regulated and secure space.

Key points

For those who live the reality of work in Ticino, the evolution of these technologies is an indicator of how the territory is trying to modernise its infrastructures. Although the flight of passenger drones is still being tested, it is essential to stay up to date on the evolutions of the labor market and the opportunities that the technology sector is opening up. For professionals working in the fields of engineering, electronics or logistics, Ticino is becoming a pole of growing interest. The procedure for those who wish to orientate themselves in this market requires in-depth knowledge of contractual conditions and job opportunities. Those interested in evaluating their professional positioning can use the calcolatore to have a clear estimate of their salary expectations based on the professional profile and the sector of employment in Switzerland. It is also advisable to monitor job offers at companies that collaborate with Ticino research centres, often focused on innovation and development. For those who move daily, it is useful to keep in mind that mobility dynamics, while remaining linked to road transport for the time being, are subject to continuous optimization studies by the cantonal authorities. Maintain an up-to-date profile on job search portals and stay informed about the development policies of the Department of Finance and

Source: ticinonews.ch