new collaboration opportunities and openings for drone operations
In February, West Avia hosted a UAM delegation whose aim was to explore regional expertise and identify collaboration opportunities, particularly in the fields of unmanned aviation (UAS) and urban air mobility (UAM).
The delegation included Christina Suomi and Jukka Keski-Jaskari from the City of Helsinki, Tuomo Seppälä from Forum Virium Helsinki, and Markku Kivinen from VTT. The group represents strong expertise in urban development, innovation ecosystems, and technology research, and their visit provided an excellent opportunity to build a shared vision for the future of drone operations.
Christina Suomi and Jukka Keski-Jaskari work with the City of Helsinki on smart mobility and emerging aviation solutions, with a particular focus on UAM applications in urban environments. Tuomo Seppälä works at Forum Virium Helsinki on innovation and experimentation, focusing on piloting new technologies and fostering collaboration with companies. Markku Kivinen from VTT brings extensive research and development expertise, particularly in autonomous systems and advanced technological solutions.
Exploring regional expertise and collaboration opportunities
The visit began with a tour of the laboratories at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK). Discussions focused on how these laboratory environments could be increasingly utilized in the future for drone development, testing, and applications, as well as identifying potential synergies with the West Avia testing environment.
At SeAMK’s XR Lab, the delegation experienced an engaging demonstration where Laboratory Engineer Tapio Hellman showcased the potential use of drones as part of immersive technologies and education. Tapio works within the School of Technology, with expertise in virtual reality, 3D modelling, and XR technologies. The demonstration sparked lively discussion on the role of drones in future learning environments and operational use cases.
Live demonstrations at West Avia
At West Avia, visitors had the opportunity to explore the region’s business activities through live demonstrations. Several companies presented their solutions and explained how they utilize the West Avia test environment in their development work.
“From the companies’ perspective, West Avia is a unique and forward-looking environment for drone testing, innovation, and collaboration development.”
Artificer Group showcased its products and shared its perspectives on launching drone operations at West Avia. Trailander presented its dual-use solutions, particularly its transport sled, which visitors also had the opportunity to experience firsthand.
In addition, Sedu and the South Ostrobothnia Drone Center presented their training activities, including drone pilot education, which plays a key role in developing regional expertise and meeting the needs of the growing industry.
West Avia offers a unique and forward-looking environment for drone testing, innovation, and collaboration. The visit also opened new discussions on cooperation between different stakeholders across research, education, and industry.
West Avia continues to actively build partnerships with national and international actors, aiming to advance the development of the drone ecosystem and foster new innovations.
West Avia continues to actively build partnerships with national and international actors, aiming to advance the development of the drone ecosystem and foster new innovations.
visit at west avia
Elisabet Kivimäki
Asiakkuuspäällikkö, Into Seinäjoki
