HHLA Sky and Third Element Aviation: Merge to Lead European Drone Technology

The merger integrates the award-winning mobile robot management software and portfolio of HHLA Sky with Third Element Aviation’s advanced drone technology. The company, which will continue to operate under the name HHLA Sky, positions itself as Europe's leading provider of integrated drone solutions and sets new standards in the automation and networking of drone systems.

HHLA Sky’s Integrated Control Center (ICC) easily enables the simultaneous, safe and secure control of multiple automated drone and robot operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) at different locations - centrally coordinated from a single control hub. By combining this cutting-edge capability with Third Element Aviation’s expertise, the company offers a unique and comprehensive portfolio that combines robot manufacturing and control.

A new addition to the HHLA Sky management team is Wiebke Kropp-Büttner. She will be responsible in particular for the strategic and commercial development of the company.

Wiebke Kropp-Büttner and Matthias Gronstedt, Managing Directors of HHLA Sky: “By merging our expertise, we are strengthening Europe’s leadership in automated drone technology. Together, we are setting the standard in automation and drone network integration, which is critical given the increasing global competition in this field."

Benjamin Wiens and Marius Schröder, former Managing Directors of Third Element Aviation:” Our vision is to take drone technology to the next level. HHLA Sky is the perfect partner to scale our mission and further strengthen Germany’s position in this rapidly evolving sector."

The merger takes place at a pivotal time when robotics and automation are revolutionizing industrial applications. By combining forces, the new company is optimally positioned to benefit from this growth. HHLA Sky is once again demonstrating its expertise in the future market of mobile robot management.

About HHLA Sky

HHLA Sky, a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), is a global leader in developing scalable drone and mobile robot management systems. Its solutions integrate drones into business operations and provide efficient UAS traffic management (UTM) in lower airspace (U-Space), ensuring safe coordination with manned aviation.

The company’s Integrated Control Center (ICC) is an open system platform for managing mobile robots. Certified by the German technical inspection agency TÜV NORD with the IEC 62443 Cybersecurity standard, the ICC enables the remote operation (BVLOS) of over 100 automated drones and mobile robots simultaneously. HHLA Sky delivers comprehensive solutions for industrial and governmental applications, particularly in critical infrastructure, and has received multiple awards for its innovations.

About Third Element Aviation

Founded in Bielefeld, Germany, in 2017 by Benjamin Wiens and Marius Schröder, Third Element Aviation has become a leading force in B2B drone technology. It develops automated drone solutions for industrial and governmental use. One of its standout innovations is the X25 cargo drone, which has been extensively tested in demanding environmental conditions.

The company is also highly regarded for its expertise in regulatory compliance for commercial drone flights, particularly in securing operating permits for automated drone operations over residential and industrial areas under SAIL III standards.

A major milestone has been achieved with the launch of Germany’s first commercial drone logistics service (operating over residential and industrial areas), in partnership with HHLA Sky and the Koerschulte Group in Lüdenscheid, Germany. This drone delivery airline enables the swift and efficient transport of specialised tools and spare parts, bypassing road congestion and redefining logistics capabilities.