Information and communications technology equipment distributor Rectron has partnered with remotely piloted or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) service provider NTSU Aviation Solutions to enable it to grow skills and infrastructure in this critical but under-resourced industry.

Rectron's R650 000 investment will empower NTSU Aviation to invest into placing drone pilots, drone technicians and administrative and consultancy personnel, as well as critical training equipment, like laptops, projectors, multimedia displays, drones, and other accessories, the company says.

“The drone industry is fairly young and is set to experience exponential growth in South Africa. As a result, skilled personnel will be critical to the growth of the industry. As an entirely new sub-sector, it offers opportunities for those interested in drones as a new technology stream,” comments NTSU Aviation Solutions founder and MD Sam Twala.

“Our training facility equipment is used extensively but, as a small business, we experience typical challenges, such as cashflow and lack of resources. It is important for us, as a Rectron reseller, to have demo units or capability to conduct demonstration to potential clients,” he adds.

NTSU also assists clients in the facilitation of air service licence and UAS operator certificate approvals.

According to data analysis company Statista Market Insights, the drones market in South Africa is expected to generate revenue of $10-million this year and is projected to experience an annual growth rate of 4.58% from 2024 to 2028, he points out.

The drone industry has potential to boost the economy and introduce new job opportunities and employment for young people.

Rectron and NTSU Drone Academy sponsored seven students in 2023 to do drone training, which included pilot licences, as well as maintenance technician and advanced pilot training, including beyond visual line of sight.

All seven students were placed immediately after completing training, Twala adds.

“Rectron is constantly expanding its products and services in line with shifting needs and trends, and we help our partners to grow through our ability to offer them equipment at scale,” says Rectron consumer electronics product manager Yvelde Wilkins.

“We also support our reseller base with relevant skills and the know-how for them to be able to take advantage of the opportunities for business growth. We have identified channel partners like NTSU as having the potential to amplify our investment into key growth sectors like the drone industry,” she says.