May 30, 2024 - Technology

Banner-towing drones hit the beach

Martin Vassolo

A rendering of the Sustainable Skylines drone towing a banner advertisement. Credit: Courtesy of Sus — A rendering of a Sustainable Skylines drone towing a banner. Image: Courtesy of Sustainable Skylines

A rendering of a Sustainable Skylines drone towing a banner. Image: Courtesy of Sustainable Skylines

Drones will soon begin flying ads over Miami's beaches, competing for airspace with traditional banner planes, Axios' Martin Vassolo writes.

Why it matters: Miami-based Sustainable Skylines says its hybrid-electric drones are quieter, safer and cleaner than gas-powered planes.

They will also fly lower to bring ads closer to the public — though founder and CEO Jacob Stonecipher says they shouldn't bother beachgoers.

Driving the news: The company is the first drone-based banner hauler to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, Stonecipher tells Axios.

He's aiming to launch in July along Miami Beach, but is still searching for a takeoff and landing site.

What's next: The company plans to expand to Fort Lauderdale and Tampa by the end of the year, Stonecipher says.

Go deeper.

Add Axios on Google

Banner-towing drones hit the beach

What to read next