S. Korea to permit drone's night flight, long-distance delivery

South Korea's transport ministry said Thursday that it will permit drone's night flight and long-distance delivery to foster the fast-growing drone industry.

A special permit system will be adopted to allow a night-time flying and a long-distance delivery by drones, which had been prevented in the past for safety reasons, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Those seeking to win the permit are required to submit documents on the capacity and information on drones as well as driving manual, flight plan and emergency manual to the transport ministry.

The Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology will conduct safety tests based on the submitted documents, and then the transport ministry will finally decide on whether to approve the application.

The drone industry is rapidly growing across the globe as it can deliver packages and manage inventory at a lower cost and more accurately. The industry is also feared to force many of workers to lose jobs.

As the special permit system is to be introduced, drones are forecast to be used in the public sector such as search and rescue operations and firefighting.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)