The Nepal Automobiles Association has successfully concluded a five-day international drone and vertical mobility training program in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and Switzerland-based Drone and Vertical Mobility Academy. The program ran, which was one of a kind in Nepalese aviation, conducted from April 27 to May 1 across multiple venues in Dhulikhel and Kathmandu.
The initiative marks NASA Nepal’s first international engagement in the vertical mobility domain, aligning with growing global interest in drone technologies and advanced aerial mobility systems. The training brought together participants from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Singapore, aiming to develop skilled manpower and strengthen regional collaboration in emerging aviation sectors.
International Drone Training Program Expands Regional Expertise
The training was conducted under the FIA Region II Asia Pacific calendar, reinforcing the organization’s strategic push into next-generation mobility. Switzerland’s national automobile association, Touring Club Switzerland, supported the initiative as a technical partner through its academy.
Sessions were held at Kathmandu University in Dhulikhel, along with Dhulikhel Lodge Resort and Royal Tulip Kathmandu. The curriculum covered International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-aligned frameworks, aviation regulations across jurisdictions, environmental considerations, and the evolving commercial applications of drones.
Participants also examined how drone technologies can support tourism development and broader economic transformation. The program integrated both theoretical discussions and practical insights, ensuring a balanced understanding of operational and policy dimensions.
Expert Insights Highlight Global Mobility Trends
The training featured Nicolas Brieger as the lead instructor, who delivered sessions on global drone integration and vertical mobility systems. His inputs focused on aligning regional capabilities with international standards and accelerating adoption across emerging markets.
David Francinet also presented on the FIA’s drone strategy and shared case studies from Andorra, where drone trials have been implemented successfully. These insights provided participants with real-world examples of how policy and technology can converge effectively.
Er. Moti Ram Itani, Chairman of Pushpak Udaan Aviation Academy, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating that the program offered “invaluable international exposure” and covered “global regulations, advanced technologies, commercial applications, and policy frameworks.”
He added that the involvement of automobile federations in vertical mobility signals a structural shift in how mobility ecosystems are evolving, particularly in countries like Nepal where regulatory and industry alignment remains critical:
“As Chairman of Pushpak Udaan Aviation Academy, I have long been promoting drone education in Nepal. This FIA-supported program provided invaluable international exposure, covering global regulations, advanced technologies, commercial applications, and policy frameworks. The insights shared by experts like Nicolas Brieger and David Francinet were particularly inspiring.”
Drone Ecosystem Growth in Nepal
NASA Nepal’s expansion into drone and vertical mobility reflects a broader diversification of its activities, which already span motorsports, mobility advocacy, and powerboating. The organization has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for innovation across transport sectors.
The training is expected to act as a catalyst for policy discussions and industry collaboration within Nepal. Participants engaged in detailed discussions on integrating drone operations into national frameworks and aligning them with global standards.
The initiative also underscores the need for stronger government-industry partnerships to build a sustainable drone ecosystem. Experts believe that structured training programs like this can accelerate regulatory maturity and commercial adoption.
Regional Collaboration and Future Outlook
The participation of delegates from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Singapore highlights a growing regional alignment toward vertical mobility adoption. These countries are now expected to initiate similar programs, expanding the impact of the FIA-backed initiative beyond Nepal.
By fostering cross-border knowledge exchange, the program contributes to building a coordinated approach to drone regulation and operations in Asia. This is particularly important as the region prepares for emerging technologies such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) systems.
NASA Nepal officials indicated that future collaborations will likely build on this foundation, potentially integrating more advanced training modules and industry partnerships.