Unifly CEO Andres Van Swalm Appointed President of the Alliance of New Mobility Europe (AME): What It Means for Europe’s Air Mobility Future
As Europe navigates the path to the future of its skies, one cannot ignore the pivotal roles of drones, urban air mobility, and the regulations that govern them. A recent development in this domain has brought the leadership into the spotlight: Andres Van Swalm, CEO of Unifly, has taken on the role of President at the Alliance of New Mobility Europe (AME), effective July 1, 2025. This article delves into the importance of this appointment, the mission of AME, and how Van Swalm’s vision might steer the future of mobility innovation across Europe.
Who Is Andres Van Swalm?
Andres Van Swalm is a well-recognized figure in the drone and aviation technology sectors. As the CEO and co-founder of Unifly NV, he has played a crucial role in advancing airspace management for drones (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM), bridging the gap between rapid technological advances and strict regulatory requirements. Unifly’s platform is acclaimed globally for facilitating the safe and efficient integration of drones and autonomous aircraft into shared airspace, with over ten commercial UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) implementations to its credit.
Van Swalm is often portrayed as a pragmatic visionary by his peers—a “trusted bridge” between public regulators, air navigation service providers, and private tech innovators. His selection as AME president represents years of practical experience, negotiation acumen, and a deep understanding of both policy and practice in the burgeoning European drone sector.
What Is the Alliance of New Mobility Europe (AME)?
For those not deeply embedded in the policy landscape of air mobility, the AME might seem like just another industry group. However, it serves as the central force for forming policies, standards, and real-world implementations of new aerial mobility in Europe.
AME’s Defining Features:
- Member Base: AME brings together key stakeholders in aerial mobility—including drone manufacturers, suppliers, users, research centers, and public authorities.
- Mission: To cultivate an open, competitive market for new mobility across Europe, which involves not merely opening up airspace but also crafting the rules, standards, and cultural acceptance required for broad UAV, VTOL, and new logistics solutions adoption.
- Focus Areas: Working on rule-making and regulation at the EU level, supporting national-level implementation, standards development, and public-private partnership facilitation.
AME is involved in all discussions about drone regulation and market development within Europe, including engagements at the European Parliament and participation in technical working groups establishing the foundational “rules of the sky.”
Why Van Swalm’s Appointment Matters
1. Timing Is Everything
Van Swalm’s presidency arrives at a critical juncture. Europe is prominent in shaping U-space regulatory frameworks—sets of rules and digital infrastructures designed to oversee autonomous and semi-autonomous air traffic. Yet, regulatory clarity doesn’t always equate to commercial reality.
“I am honored to assume the role of President of AME during such a pivotal period for the drone and AAM sectors in Europe. AME has historically contributed to the development of European airspace infrastructure by acting as a mediator between regulatory advancement and practical implementation. Moving forward, I am eager to collaborate with our member companies and public-private partners to ensure that next-level air mobility—such as drones and AAM—becomes a woven part of everyday life across Europe.”
2. Bridging Policy with “Real Life”
Van Swalm’s hands-on experience—collaborating with air navigation providers, research institutions, and both private and public sector actors—ideally positions him to shift the Alliance’s vision from expansive concepts to operational realities. He is expected to:
- Foster cross-sector partnerships that expedite drone-delivery, urban air mobility, and digital airspace management progress.
- Champion European leadership in not only regulation but also in scaling up drone use commercially, urban air taxis, and delivery services.
- Encourage more agile policy-making that swiftly responds to industry innovation while maintaining safety and public trust.
3. Emphasis on Standards and Implementation
Under Van Swalm’s leadership, AME prioritizes standards development. Having rules isn’t sufficient; scalable markets require a standardized technical “language.” This involves harmonized digital infrastructure, standardized data-sharing, and interoperable UTM systems across borders.
AME’s Broader Vision: A Human-Scale, Trusted Drone Ecosystem
Central to AME’s strategy is the belief that drones and air mobility solutions must be trusted and accepted by the public for success. This entails:
- Proving safety and reliability.
- Ensuring privacy and data protection.
- Communicating benefits—like reduced emissions, faster logistics, and enhanced connectivity for communities.
AME’s latest strategic update in 2025 reaffirms its mission to foster new markets, support innovation, and ensure the European New Mobility community is represented globally. At the EU level, the aim is to secure fair access for innovative companies while safeguarding consumer interests and encouraging public involvement.
The Unifly Factor: Digital Infrastructure for Skies
Unifly, under Van Swalm’s leadership, has established itself in creating complex, yet safe airspace frameworks for drones and next-gen aircraft. The company’s UTM solutions are utilized across Europe and beyond. Unifly aspires to build “digital highways” for drones, thus setting the stage for AME’s extended strategy.
Real-World Impact: What Changes Are Expected?
For Industry:
- More efficient pathways for commercial drone services (delivery, inspection, media, humanitarian aid).
- Broader EU-harmonized market access and streamlined cross-border drone operations.
For Policymakers:
- Insights from real-world applications—less “ivory tower” regulation, more pragmatic rules suiting both urban and rural environments.
For the Public:
- Faster adoption of reliable drone-based services (like medical deliveries, rapid infrastructure monitoring, emergency response).
- Transparent communication and enhanced safety measures to help the public trust new air traffic in their environments.
Challenges & Future Prospects
The path forward presents challenges. Europe’s airspace is intricate, marked by diverse national interests and varying public opinions on drones. Issues include:
- Coordinating defense, civil aviation, and industrial strategies.
- Ensuring data security and privacy.
- Avoiding excessive regulation that could stifle startups and new entrants.
However, with Van Swalm leading AME, industry experts expect accelerated progress, smoother interactions between industry and authorities, and new pilot projects showcasing drones’ benefits to everyday people.
Experts and Industry Comments
A senior airspace consultant remarked:
“Andres has demonstrated that he isn’t just talk; he delivers results. His leadership at Unifly illustrated how private enterprises can collaborate with governments to safely and ambitiously integrate drones into airspace. AME will benefit from his hands-on approach.”
A mobility startup founder commented:
“Having a leader with practical deployment experience is crucial. Regulation is advancing, but operational challenges—those last-mile concerns—really impact the market.”
Conclusion: New Skies, New Leadership
The selection of Andres Van Swalm as President of the Alliance of New Mobility Europe marks an exciting new phase for European air mobility. Straddling the realms of high-level policy and on-the-ground technological application, Van Swalm and AME are set to transform Europe’s regulatory ambitions into actionable innovation—literally elevating the skies above us. For businesses, regulators, and the public, this appointment offers an opportunity to witness one of the most transformative phases in European mobility.
For updates or interactions with AME and Unifly, industry professionals are encouraged to follow their official channels and engage in upcoming public consultations and working groups.
