site.btaReport: Bulgaria Can Be Balkan Leader in Air Mobility

Bulgaria has a real opportunity to establish itself as a leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in the Balkans, according to a summary report of the Advanced Air Mobility Institute (AAMI), prepared after the global AAM forum GAAMF 2025, which took place in January. The document is published on the website of a US-based non-governmental organization and analyses air mobility developments, regulatory challenges and market trends in more than 70 countries, and includes a number of expert assessments.

The report also features a summary by Dr Ivo Barzov, who is a liason of the organization’s board for Bulgaria and an expert in the field of aviation. He stresses that the country has strong potential to position itself as a technology hub for air mobility in the region. "As a member state of the European Union, Bulgaria strictly follows the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) guidelines and works closely with local aviation authorities to build a balanced regulatory framework for drones. Among the key initiatives in the sector is the establishment of a test zone in Rakovski, a project that provides a controlled environment for the execution of flight operations with drones and innovative technologies related to AAM," the expert points out.

According to Barzov, U-space has the potential to establish itself in other regions of the country, providing opportunities for broader technological development of the sector. Alongside institutional efforts, advances in air mobility are being supported by leading technology companies. Among them is Bulgarian start-up Dronamics, which has successfully completed test flights with Black Swan - the first full-scale cargo drone, Barzov reports. Such breakthroughs, he notes, contribute to building public confidence and creating a positive narrative for the future of aerial technology, and anticipated events such as this year's Inter Drone Expo in Sofia will provide an additional platform for knowledge exchange and the presentation of new solutions in the sector.

The report of the independent institute specifies that the strategic development of U-space zones (specially defined geographical airspaces for the management of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within the European Union) and increased international cooperation can strengthen Bulgaria's position in the region.

"We can be a leader in the Balkan region," Barzov is adamant, stressing the importance of a coordinated approach to innovation. According to him, the successful integration of advanced air technologies requires not only technological investment, but also a comprehensive strategy that covers regulatory, social and economic aspects.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is an air transport system concept that aims to integrate drones, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other air transport technologies into existing infrastructure. This concept is aimed at increasing transport efficiency, reducing congestion and creating more environmentally sustainable solutions for passenger and freight transport. In AAMI's report, the organization's founder and president Daniel Sloat highlights that 2025 will be a pivotal year for the development of air technology, despite the financial challenges facing manufacturers. Consolidation and change are natural for any new industry, but it is important to remember that there are real people and their expertise behind them. New talent and strong ecosystems are needed to make electric aviation happen, he notes.