Inauguration of Sweden's First Urban Droneport

The idea for Skellefteå Droneport gained momentum in 2022 following a successful drone testing project at Skellefteå Airport. Several stakeholders, both in the public sector and business community, recognized the need for a permanent facility for drones. During a workshop at Skellefteå Science City, the plans for an urban droneport at Hammarängen, just 2 kilometers outside Skellefteå’s city center, were born. After careful planning and consideration, the decision to start construction was made in 2023.

Skellefteå – A Perfect Location for Drone Testing

But why was one of Europe’s largest urban droneports built in Skellefteå? One reason is the city’s unique conditions. Skellefteå has a cold and challenging climate, offering a perfect testing ground for drone solutions that need to work year-round. The area also has a significant rural population, making drone technology a potential solution to transportation challenges in these parts of the country. Additionally, the airspace is relatively free from dense air traffic, making it an ideal place for testing, development, and early commercialization.

Another reason is the courage and will in Skellefteå to invest early in solutions that can help address today’s and tomorrow’s societal challenges.

Local Solutions with Global Perspectives

Skellefteå Droneport is not just a local initiative, but part of a larger international network. A central philosophy of the project is to “think globally, act locally.” By building integrated drone infrastructure in the urban environment, Skellefteå aims to contribute to national and global drone technology development while creating concrete solutions for local needs.

“It’s very exciting that the transition from idea to the droneport being ready for use has been so fast. This is thanks to all the quick-moving and committed parties who have been involved in making it happen, despite several challenges along the way. Skellefteå Droneport has already received inquiries from both businesses and academia interested in using the droneport for various projects. So, we are really looking forward to using the site for education, research, testing, and the commercialization of drone-related services,” says Henrik Littorin, Program Manager at Arctic Aviation Hub.

Skellefteå Municipality is responsible for the land and has worked with partners such as Skanska, Skellefteå Kraft, and Envico to prepare the area for the droneport, while Skellefteå Airport is responsible for construction and operations.

The droneport will be an important location for projects under the Arctic Aviation Hub, led by Skellefteå Science City.

Inauguration with a Focus on the Societal Benefits of Drone Technology

During the inauguration of Skellefteå Droneport, the possibilities offered by the droneport will be showcased, while also providing an opportunity to gather key players in the sector. Technology developers, decision-makers, and leading organizations will meet to share insights, demonstrate solutions, and discuss future opportunities. The day will focus particularly on the societal benefits of drone technology and how municipalities can facilitate and support its development.

Interested in attending the inauguration?