A New Era for Aviation Safety

“Our system combines intelligent, adaptive technology that combines AI and wildlife science to create a multispecies solution that works on everything from rabbits to raptor birds, and even coyotes and elk. We’ve seen it all, and we’re thrilled to bring this innovation to U.S. airports, ” says Sara Nozkova, Flox CEO & Co-founder.

 

Bird and Wildlife Strikes with Aircraft: An Escalating Challenge for Airports

Wildlife strikes with aircraft pose a significant threat to aviation safety, costing the global aviation industry over $1.2 billion annually and endangering lives. In the United States alone, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports thousands of bird and other wildlife strikes with aircraft each year, a problem exacerbated by climate change, increasing populations of large bird and mammal species, and the rising trend of quieter, faster aircraft. Traditional methods like pyrotechnics, gas cannons, and even lethal control measures have proven insufficient to tackle this growing threat.

 

Caption: Tomas Becklin, Flox CTO & Co-founder, Sara Nozkova, Flox CEO & Co-founder, Kristoffer Ohlsson, Flox Chief Commercial Officer

 

Flox: Digital Sheepdogs Leading the Way in Wildlife Management

Flox is revolutionizing wildlife management at airports with autonomous, intelligent solutions that act as digital sheepdogs. These systems use AI-based acoustic signals on dock-based drones to clear runways and high-risk areas ahead of incoming or landing aircraft more effectively and safely than conventional methods. Since early 2023, Flox has been validating and co-developing this technology with Swedavia, the operator of ten of Sweden’s busiest airports.

 

Collaborating with Key Stakeholders for a U.S. First

In this partnership, Flox will work closely with the FAA, USDA wildlife biologists, and the FLITE innovation program to pave the way for the deployment of this system—a first in the U.S. Flox’s collaboration with these key stakeholders will ensure that the technology is not only effective but also seamlessly integrated into the broader wildlife hazard management plans and practices at U.S. airports.

 

“Collaboration with new tech entrants using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for wildlife management at airports is one of the top priorities for the FAA in 2024. Even the U.S. Navy has recognized the potential of well-applied acoustics for wildlife deterrence. We use both and add generative AI to provide the ultimate system always adapting to animal behavior to guarantee high efficiency and avoid habituation. We are not another scarecrow or a sound blasting device, neither a drone company. We combine the best of AI and wildlife science applied on drones and edge devices to provide the ultimate system that is used by safety managers as a daily tool for wildlife management” said Flox CEO & Co-founder, Sara Nozkova. 

 

Exciting Launch and Future Demonstrations

Earlier this year, Flox expanded its operations to the U.S. by opening an office in California. The collaboration with Ford International Airport marks their official launch into the American aviation market. In September, Flox will conduct a demonstration at a Bay Area airport, showcasing the system’s capabilities. Interested parties will have an opportunity to witness the technology in action in Michigan this November, with deployment at Ford International Airport set to begin already in the coming weeks.

 

About Flox

Flox is a cutting-edge technology company specializing in intelligent wildlife management solutions. Combining advanced acoustics with genAI and wildlife science, Flox’s system is designed to safely and efficiently deter wildlife from hazardous areas, ensuring greater safety for aviation and other industries. Flox operates globally, with recent expansions into the U.S. market.

 

 

About the Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the second busiest airport in Michigan, serving business and leisure travelers with nonstop and connecting flights on seven airlines. The Ford International Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. For more information, visit www.flyford.org or follow the airport on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram @FlyGRFord.