HyperTwin and the New Frontier of Advanced Air Mobility in Italy
HyperTwin and the New Frontier of Advanced Air Mobility in Italy: regulatory framework, use cases and operational implications for UAS operators
Introduction
On 28 November 2024, ENAC (Italian National Civil Aviation Authority) and the Department for Digital Transformation (DTD) presented HyperTwin, a digital platform that promises to revolutionise airspace management for drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM/IAM), simplifying and automating authorisation processes and risk assessments through advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms.
The public announcement � attended by ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma and the Under-Secretary to the Presidency of the Council with responsibility for Innovation Alessio Butti � outlined a project that emerged from the "Digital Twin for Innovative Air Services" (DT4IAS) programme and the Cross Tech Hub Italia initiative.
A joint press release from ENAC and DTD on 3 December of this year provided further operational and strategic details on the initiative. During the inauguration ceremony of the Civil Aviation Palace, a strategic update meeting on HyperTwin was held, marking one year since the launch of the cutting-edge digital platform developed by ENAC and the Department for Digital Transformation to simplify management and authorisation processes for Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) services operated also through drones.
ENAC Press Releases:
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According to official communications, the platform's operational objective is to assess impacts and risks of UAS missions, promote collaborative decision-making amongst stakeholders (operators, administrations, service providers), share data and generate reports with a mission complexity score based on data and predictive models.
These functions fit naturally within the European U-space framework, which requires a high degree of digitalisation and automation to manage a large number of BVLOS and multi-operator operations in urban and peri-urban areas. REGULATION (EU) 2021/664
The following analysis aims to:
- â–¸contextualise HyperTwin within the European and national regulatory perimeter;
- â–¸outline operational impacts for operators, local authorities and U-space service managers;
- â–¸propose concrete use cases and metrics for evaluation;
- â–¸highlight opportunities and challenges (cybersecurity, interoperability, social acceptance);
- â–¸indicate practical steps to integrate HyperTwin into SORA/PDRA, STS workflows and future U-space designations in Italy.
1. What is HyperTwin and why is it relevant for UAS and AAM
1.1 Origin, objectives and key functions
HyperTwin was born as an outcome of the DT4IAS project and is presented as a cutting-edge digital platform capable of automating mission assessment and supporting the management of air mobility services that "use the third dimension", from drones to future eVTOL aircraft.
Functions include: development of innovative services (medical, emergency, delivery, surveillance), impact analysis and risk prediction, advanced decision support, interoperable data sharing, data-driven risk assessment with indices of feasibility and reliability. The operator enters mission data (route, drone type, timings) and the system produces a report with a complexity score.
This architecture is coherent with the regulatory expectations of Regulation (EU) 2021/664 on U-space, which mandates services such as network identification, geo-awareness, flight authorisation and traffic information, in addition to supplementary services (meteorology, conformance monitoring) defined by individual Member States based on risk.
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1.2 Positioning within the Italian institutional context
The platform is presented as an initiative with strong public-private vision, capable of enabling cooperation amongst public authorities, start-ups, universities and enterprises and of contributing to safe, efficient and sustainable growth of the Italian aviation sector and urban air mobility. Official statements emphasise the importance of HyperTwin for simplifying IAM service authorisation and management processes, in line with the national strategy for digital innovation and technological transformation.
Sector news and articles confirm the key message: HyperTwin is designed to automate IAM service authorisations and management, analyse mission data with ML and provide feasibility scores, promoting data-driven decision processes and interoperability.
From 2025, ENAC and DTD have begun taking stock and providing strategic updates "one year on from launch", reiterating the platform's role in simplifying IAM service management and authorisation processes and the vision of a safer, more efficient and sustainable airspace.
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The regulatory framework: how HyperTwin integrates with U-space, 2019/947 and UAS-IT
2.1 European foundations (U-space, 2021/664; UAS operations, 2019/947 and 2019/945)
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/664 defines the U-space framework, namely portions of airspace (UAS geographical zones) designated by Member States where, to gain access, operators must use specific U-space services that ensure the safe management of a large number of UAS operations with strong digitalisation/automation of processes. REGULATION (EU) 2021/664
The operational summary of 2021/664 indicates minimum services and U-space designation conditions, including integration with controlled airspace and dynamic reconfiguration to segregate manned/UAS traffic where necessary.
Regulation (EU) 2019/947 � updated in consolidated versions up to 1 May 2025 � establishes the rules and procedures for UAS operations in the Open, Specific, Certified categories with an operation-centric and risk-based approach.
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The technical framework 2019/945 defines requirements for drones and components (class C0-C6 markings), whilst EASA guidelines and materials complete the set (EAR, GM/AMC).
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2.2 EASA guidelines and activities on UAM/AAM
EASA has been working for years on the UAM/AAM framework, with Special Conditions for small VTOL (2019) and materials on operational categories, remote piloting and infrastructure, emphasising that the first commercial operations expected in Europe will concern delivery and passenger transport initially piloted, with possible evolution towards remote/autonomous.
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In parallel, other authorities (FAA, ICAO) publish blueprints and calls-to-action for the safe integration of AAM in the NAS/ATM.
Whilst not of European origin, these references are useful for understanding global trends and best practices (Innovate28, SFAR powered-lift, vertiport guidance).
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2.3 The national framework: UAS-IT, U-space guidelines, 2025 consultation
At the Italian level, ENAC maintains a Drone Regulations page with references to UAS-IT (Ed. 2021), U-space Guidelines (LG-2023-006/UAS), circulars on geographical zones and other national acts that supplement the European regime where delegated to Member States (training, insurance, UAS geo-zones).
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Between late 2024 and early 2025, a consultation was launched for the revision of the UAS-IT regulation, with updates on model aircraft, mandatory logbook in Specific category, DOP planning on d-flight prior to Specific operations (including STS), continuous ENAC surveillance for Specific/Certified and clarifications on prohibition of overflight of gatherings and sanctions/insurance (with possible seizures in case of lack of coverage).
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These elements suggest that Italy is moving towards full U-space operability in which platforms like HyperTwin can act as enablers of risk assessment and the authorisation process, reducing timescales and increasing transparency and data traceability.
3. HyperTwin functional architecture: where it fits in the "U-space puzzle"
3.1 Services and data flows
Key functionalities described in ENAC/DTD communications include:- â–¸Mission input: planned route, UAS/equipment type, timeslots, operational profile (VLOS/BVLOS), altitude, payload. Output: report with complexity score and indices of feasibility/reliability, plus mitigation recommendations.
- â–¸Data integration: operational geography (obstacles, terrain type), dynamic population density estimated via AI models, presence of sensitive structures (airports, schools, critical infrastructure), air rules, no-fly zones, NOTAMs, restrictions.
- â–¸Decision support: flows for competent authorities and AAM stakeholders; focus on public-private collaboration and data sharing.
These capabilities align with U-space services of conformance monitoring (monitoring compliance with authorisation) and flight authorisation (authorisation of individual flights), as well as the need for common information services (CIS) that disseminate static/dynamic data to U-space service providers.
3.2 Safety, efficiency and sustainability
Official statements emphasise the objectives of flight safety, people safety and ground infrastructure safety, together with efficiency and sustainability � dimensions fully aligned with the U-space design and with AAM principles promoted at EASA/ICAO level.
4. Operational impacts for UAS operators (Open/Specific/Certified)
4.1 Open category
For A1/A2/A3 missions, HyperTwin can become an advanced planning tool: although flight authorisation is not required when operating outside U-space airspace, complexity assessment and geo-awareness reduce operational risk, improve compliance with 120 m AGL limits, VLOS and local restrictions.
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4.2 Specific category (SORA, PDRA, STS)
Here the utility grows exponentially: STS-01/02 and PDRA-Sxx require structured risk assessment and mitigations.
A platform that integrates dynamic population density, obstacles, UAS geo-zones, NOTAMs and predictive models can accelerate the processing of ConOps, the estimation of GRC/ARC and the verification of MOC (e.g. MOC 2512/2511).
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In Italy, the UAS-IT draft provides for advance submission of DOP on d-flight for all Specific operations, including STS: an engine like HyperTwin can pre-validate the plan, reduce non-conformities and coordination timescales, as well as generate an audit trail useful in case of ENAC surveillance.
4.3 Certified category and AAM (eVTOL)
For operations with risk levels comparable to manned aviation (passenger transport, cargo over persons, IFR), the value lies in the scalability of decision support and integration with CIS and ANSP, especially in U-space areas within controlled airspace, where dynamic reconfiguration is essential for segregation of manned/UAS traffic.
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5. HyperTwin as a "bridge" between authorisations and U-space services
5.1 Data, interoperability and CIS
Reg. 2021/664 requires a common information service to disseminate static/dynamic data (horizontal/vertical limits, local requirements, meteorological/time-critical data) to U-space service providers and operators. HyperTwin, as described, positions itself as a data collection/analysis point and user interface to leverage "the power of data and AI". Sharing with public authorities, universities and start-ups is a specific programmatic line of the initiative.
5.2 Flight authorisation and conformance monitoring
Automating assessment and generating a "pre-authorisation" complexity score helps authorities and service providers accelerate flight authorisation release (where required) and prepare for near real-time compliance monitoring, reducing violations and interference with adjacent traffic.
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6. Use cases and performance metrics
6.1 Medical logistics (transport of pharmaceuticals/blood products, organs, devices)
The communication highlights medical assistance and emergency response amongst applications. In urban/metropolitan contexts, BVLOS missions in dedicated corridors can be modelled with dynamic density and risk index for timescales/areas. Possible KPIs: authorisation time (minutes), mission time (door-to-door), punctuality (>95%), non-conformity rate (<0.5%), carbon footprint vs terrestrial methods.
6.2 Emergency/First responders
For SAR, firefighting, flood control, HyperTwin can pre-assess complexity and feasibility and enable dynamic routing compliant with NOTAMs and temporary restrictions. Expected benefits: reduced response times and improved shared tactical awareness. (AAM benefits in the "saving lives" domain are also cited by ICAO.)
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6.3 Delivery/surveillance in urban contexts
For B2B/B2G delivery and infrastructure surveillance, the use of AI/ML to map pedestrian flows and events allows modulation of operational windows and altitudes. KPIs: authorisations per hour in U-space area, incidents/near-misses per 10,000 flights, average scheduling time; STS/PDRA compliance.
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6.4 Passenger AAM (piloted)
In view of trial/demonstrator eVTOL corridors, decision support must integrate with ANSP and ATM/ANS procedures; KPIs: dynamic sector reconfiguration time, point-to-point punctuality, energy efficiency, noise (social acceptance: EASA 2021 studies).
7. Critical aspects: cybersecurity, privacy, safety and social acceptance
Reg. 2021/664 has been updated (Implementing Reg. 2023/203) to include requirements on cybersecurity risk management with potential impact on safety (applicable from 22 February 2026). This is reported in the Easy Access Rules EASA dedicated to U-space. This means that any platform that "orchestrates" data and services (like HyperTwin) must provide for robust security measures: identity & access management, audit, event monitoring, data integrity, resilience.
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Privacy and data protection (GDPR) are other critical dimensions: network identification and CIS dissemination must comply with European legislation on personal data and localisation, whilst maintaining sufficient traceability for enforcement and deconfliction. The balance between transparency and data minimisation is an integral part of U-space best practices.
Finally, social acceptance is a cornerstone of UAM/AAM implementation in Europe: EASA has conducted specific studies (2020-2021) emphasising the need to manage perceptions of noise, safety, public benefits and fairness of access. Institutional communications on HyperTwin focus precisely on benefits for citizens and new professions.
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8. Technical interoperability and data governance
8.1 Standards, APIs and interfaces
For HyperTwin to fully express its utility within the U-space context, it is essential to define standardised interfaces towards:
- â–¸national CIS and U-space service providers;
- â–¸d-flight systems (planning, DOP, remote ID);
- â–¸ANSP and any UTM/ATM modules.
Technical literature and EASA-EUROCONTROL initiatives highlight the role of cooperation and CNS modernisation for the safety and future efficiency of aviation, including UAS/AAM integration.
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8.2 Data quality and ML models
ENAC/DTD communications indicate the use of machine learning algorithms for risk prediction and creation of indices.
For regulatory use, it is necessary to:- â–¸document datasets, biases and validation;
- â–¸ensure explainability and auditability of models;
- â–¸define performance metrics (precision, recall, false positive/negative) in relation to safety outcomes.
These aspects become particularly sensitive when indices affect authorisations or operational restrictions.
9. Integration with SORA and PDRA processes
9.1 From mission analysis to risk model
An integrated pipeline could be:
- â–¸ConOps definition: operational scenario, flight profile, equipment, C2 link, technical/operational mitigations.
- â–¸Data extraction via HyperTwin: geography, dynamic density, obstacles, UAS geo-zones, rules/no-fly, NOTAMs.
- â–¸Preliminary calculation of GRC/ARC and selection of relevant MOCs (M2, M3, 2511/2512), with SAIL estimation.
- â–¸Mitigation plan: strategic measures (geo-fencing, operational volume, buffer), tactical (deconfliction), technical (parachute, C2 link, GNSS anti-spoofing).
- â–¸DOP on d-flight and documentation for authorisation (Specific) or declaration (PDRA/STS)
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HyperTwin can automate parts of steps 2-3-4, generating a repeatable and auditable report that reduces manual calculation errors and inconsistencies between operators.
Conclusions
HyperTwin sits midway between a digital twin of the operational context and a decision-making engine for UAS/AAM authorisations and service management.
Aligned with the principles of Reg. 2021/664 (U-space) and the 2019/947/945 system, the platform can accelerate the implementation of urban corridors and data-driven BVLOS missions, anticipating parts of the authorisation and monitoring processes required by the U-space ecosystem.
For UAS operators and Italian stakeholders, immediate steps include:
- â–¸integrate HyperTwin (or equivalent tools) into SORA/PDRA/STS workflows;
- â–¸prepare DOP on d-flight and documentation compliant with UAS-IT updates;
- â–¸invest in cybersecurity and data governance for the 2026 deadline;
- â–¸launch pilots with safety and efficiency metrics that are verifiable and shareable with public authorities and community.
With a safer, more efficient and sustainable sky as an explicit objective, Italy has the opportunity to become a European laboratory for the scalable integration of innovative air mobility. The pragmatic adoption of HyperTwin and data-driven U-space practices represents a concrete step in this direction.
About the Author
Roberto Gramellini
Aviation expert and UAS regulations specialist with extensive experience in EASA compliance and drone operations. Passionate about making complex regulations accessible to drone pilots across Europe.
EASA Regulatory Compliance Notice
This content is for educational purposes only and is based on EASA regulations current at the time of generation.
Always consult the official EASA documentation and your local aviation authorities for the most current regulations and legal compliance requirements before operating any UAS.