Sustainable Skylines wants to create more aviation jobs for aerial drone advertising.
To do that, the company partnered with aviation resources firm USI to create a certification program that trains aviators in remote piloting technologies.
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Headquartered in Miami, Sustainable Skylines uses drones to tow banners for aerial advertising campaigns often seen on local beaches. The drones, powered by hybrid-electric engines, can be used to replace small aircraft that traditionally tow those banners. That helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with aerial advertising, the company reports.
“As we continue to refine our drone technology, we've also been diligently building the infrastructure needed for scalable drone advertising operations," said founder and CEO Jacob Stonecipher.
That infrastructure includes qualified pilots who can remotely operate drones. To help, USI developed a structured training program focused on remote piloted technology. That program is now available to aspiring aviators who want to join Sustainable Skylines as certified aerial drone advertising operators.
Last year, Sustainable Skylines became the first drone banner towing company to receive U.S. Federal Aviation Administration approval for commercial operations. That will allow the firm to launch full-size banner advertisements in Miami Beach this year.
"Sustainable Skylines has pioneered a novel application for uncrewed aircraft systems, paving the way for yet another high-skill, high-wage career field that doesn't necessitate a commercial pilot license," said Joshua Olds, co-founder and CEO of USI.
Aerial drones have several advantages over small aircraft, supporters say. Drones can tow banners at slower speeds and lower altitudes, making the ads easier to see from the ground. They also do not need a runway to take off or land.
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The concept is being embraced by investors: In 2023, Sustainable Skylines raised $1 million in a pre-seed funding round supported by Jeffrey Zajkowski, former managing director and head of equity capital markets at J.P. Morgan; Paul Mule, senior vice president of finance at climate tech firm Arcadia; and others.
"We are poised for rapid expansion to new locations as we partner with new brands and showcase the advantages of aerial banner towing," Stonecipher said.
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