Opportunities in the Air

The flying cars of 20th-century sci-fi dreams turned out to be a poor idea. Instead, we got drones. And the potential of these battery-powered steel birds extends far beyond quirky house photos for estate agents. Soon, drones will become airborne colleagues for healthcare workers, logistics companies, and much more.

At Society Expo 2026 (SE26), sustainable solutions shaping the future of our societies will be showcased. One such innovation is Skellefteå Droneport, one of Europe’s largest urban drone airports.
– “We want to invest, test, and share what we learn – not least because we know that sustainable solutions are key to the cities and societies of the future. Here, we aim to foster successful collaborations between public and private stakeholders,” says Henrik Littorin of the Arctic Aviation Hub, which has rapidly become a cornerstone of Skellefteå’s strategy for promoting sustainable mobility and innovation.

While drone technology already exists, regulations for flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and over longer distances are not yet fully in place. Work is underway to develop harmonised frameworks for drone use, which is expected to make it easier to integrate drones into cities and public services.

A Proactive Approach

In anticipation of these regulations being finalised, Skellefteå has adopted a proactive strategy: rather than waiting for the rules to be fully established, the city is already building the infrastructure and expertise needed to be ready when drone technology is greenlit for large-scale use.
– “We’ve worked backwards and concluded that it could take 3–4 years for a city to fully implement drone services. It involves establishing processes, building local expertise, securing financial resources, and creating infrastructure. That’s why our strategy is to start preparing now, before the regulations are in place,” Henrik explains.

…Gaining a Head Start

The goal is to build an infrastructure that allows for testing, learning, and preparation to scale up drone services when regulations permit. With one of Europe’s largest urban drone airports already established, Skellefteå has a head start – not just in infrastructure but also in the expertise of municipal officials and other potential users.

One of the key topics for SE26 is how to create a mobility culture that meets transport needs without burdening the environment. Through the Arctic Aviation Hub, Skellefteå is taking tangible steps towards reducing the carbon footprint of local transport solutions. Drones could play a crucial role by transporting goods and performing public services efficiently while easing traffic congestion in city centres. Sustainability has been a driving force throughout the project, Henrik emphasises.
– “It’s about creating a platform that enables innovation and new services, but also demonstrating that we can make transport faster, cheaper, and more sustainable.”

A Test Bed for Innovators

Skellefteå’s droneport is a vital part of the city’s ambition to create a platform where other stakeholders can develop and test their ideas. The aim is to offer an infrastructure that accelerates the path to commercialisation. By documenting the entire start-up process and sharing its experiences, Skellefteå hopes to help others get started more quickly.

Henrik highlights a direct connection to Society Expo 2026.
– “Society Expo is an excellent forum to showcase how drone technology can help solve societal challenges in the future. Services can be made smarter, cheaper, and safer – even if the technology isn’t the answer to everything. There are specific areas where drones can make a real difference, and we want Skellefteå to lead the way, so others can learn from us,” Henrik says.

” “Drone technology can make services smarter, cheaper, and safer – even if it’s not the answer to everything.”

–Henrik Littorin, Programme Manager at Arctic Aviation Hub

The droneport will serve as a test bed for companies and innovators seeking to develop their services in a real-world environment. It offers office space, an indoor hangar, a large take-off and landing area for drone tests, and direct access to the city’s ecosystem through the municipality and Skellefteå Science City. The facility also includes drone technology training, combining theory and practice in one place to strengthen the local and national skill base. The infrastructure and initial operations are expected to be ready by late 2024.

FACTS: Skellefteå Droneport

• Location: Hammarängen district, Skellefteå
• Take-off and landing area: 15x15 metres
• Hangar: 15x16 metres, heated
• Technical features: 5G Edge connectivity, AirHub, and ACR Dronerequest
• Facilities: Office and training spaces, indoor hangar for drone testing
• Training: Practical and theoretical courses in drone technology
• Purpose: To accelerate the commercialisation and development of sustainable drone services
• Operations: In collaboration with Skellefteå Municipality and Skellefteå Airport