ABOUT GLOBAL DRONE
ASSOCIATION (GDA)
Bringing the Drone World Together
The Global Drone Association (GDA) is the world’s leading commercially independent, cross-domain organization committed to shaping the future of the global drone industry. We unite every part of the ecosystem from technologists, manufacturers, and operators to regulators, policymakers, and user communities across Air, Land, Sea, and Space.
Our mission is clear: promote excellence, integrity, and safety in drone development, manufacturing, operation, and governance.
Who We Are
As a globally recognized industry body, the GDA serves as a trusted platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic influence. We work closely with international standards organizations and regulatory authorities to ensure that drone technology evolves in alignment with the highest professional and regulatory standards.
Whether advancing new technologies or addressing emerging challenges, we provide the strategic guidance, support, and leadership required to elevate the entire sector.
What We Do
Advancing Standards & Regulation
We engage directly with regulators and international standards bodies to represent the interests of our members and promote safe, responsible drone operations across all domains.
Connecting the Entire Drone Ecosystem
Our inclusive network brings together innovators, industry experts, operators, researchers, and government bodies to exchange insights and build meaningful partnerships.
Driving Industry
Growth
Through shared objectives and coordinated action, we accelerate innovation, streamline best practices, and open new global opportunities for commercial, industrial, and governmental drone applications.
Thought Leadership & Research
We publish authoritative white papers, conduct open consultations, and facilitate collaborative conferences that shape policy, improve safety, and guide industry development.
Leadership
The GDA is supported by a team of experienced professionals and global industry experts dedicated to strengthening the drone ecosystem. Our leadership works across borders and sectors to address the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving industry.
Our Vision
To be the world’s leading force for drone innovation, harmonization, and growth connecting every domain and every stakeholder to advance the future of unmanned systems.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
Together, we are elevating the drone industry to new heights. Whether you’re advancing technology, influencing regulation, or operating within any drone environment
Our Professionals
The Team
John Haffenden
Managing Executive GDA
With over 50 years in Aviation, starting work for a flying club, gaining a Private Pilot's licence, moving to aircraft engineering, and then onto attending the College of Air Traffic Control (Bournemouth) qualifying as a fully licensed Air Traffic Control Officer and progressing to become Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at a UK major General Aviation Airport. During this time being heavily involved in many major events in the UK, including the British Grand Prix for over 22 years, operating the world's busiest heliport for that event.
Moving to become Airport Manager, and responsible for major infrastructural development, including commercial building development, runway extensions and taxiway construction, along with all aspects of a busy Executive and General Aviation Airport in the South of England.
As a Board member of the UK Airport Operators Association, and Chairman of the Business and General Aviation Committee, I was invited to become part of several Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Committees, as well as being a member of European meetings.
An Aviation Consultant providing input to many Airports/Airfields in the UK, Working very closely with Frederick Harbottle, who will be the Chairman of the Operational Delivery Committee, to deliver the Mission of the Global Drone Association.
Frederick Harbottle
MA, FCMI
Fred served four decades in the RAF as a flying instructor and standardiser, including with the USAF as Dep Chief of Standards for the 76,000 strong 15AF. Retiring as a group captain, his senior posts followed as Chief of Current Ops for UK Air Defence and as an attaché with the FCO in Pakistan.
When Directing Staff at Joint Staff College and Joint Doctrine and Concepts Centre, responsibilities included joint ops planning and command and battlespace management. Commercial life has involved security in ME and SE Asia, and two years as Dir Ops at a Drone Group. Until recently, he has been Chairman of the Operation Delivery element of an associated Drone Group engaged in voicing industry concerns to government. Fred is currently MD of TB2 Aerospace with interests in UK, EU and NATO and is also Military Adviser to Canny Comms Ltd.
Andy Haffenden
Strategic Advisor
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Coming Soon...
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Why Join Us?
Membership with the GDA connects you to a truly global community committed to shaping the future of the drone industry.
Benefits include
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Access to exclusive industry
reports and white papers -
Collaboration with regulators and
standards organizations -
Participation in global conferences
and working groups
Whether you're a manufacturer, operator, regulator, academic, or technology specialist, joining the GDA
empowers you to contribute to the world’s most connected drone ecosystem.