ADVERTORIAL
D rones , or unmanned aerial vehicles , are
starting to play a bigger role on Guam and will continue to do so as drone technology continues to advance .
“ I basically thought there was no reason why we couldn ’ t bring that technology here to Guam ,” said Charlie Hermosa , president of Bella Wings Aviation .
So he did .
Bella Wings Aviation is a Guam-based drone start-up , which Hermosa co-founded with Pearla Cordero .
Hermosa , the visionary behind Bella Wings , is a former U . S . Marine Corps officer , who is spearheading the business with a tight team of experts . Cordero brings 20 years of experience in the aviation industry , and currently holds an FAA PPL license , as well as a Part 107 certification .
The company launched its FAA-regulated commercial drone business on Guam in December 2020 , offering various services including touch-free delivery that promises a better alternative to traditional delivery . With the onset of the global pandemic last year , Bella Wings ’ business model really took shape .
Bella Wings ’ launch followed the recent signing of Public Law 35-118 , which adds commercial drone services to the roster of industries that qualify for the government ’ s Qualifying Certificate program .
The law paves the way for the promotion of the emerging industry on Guam and Bella Wings Aviation is ahead of the game .
Guam ’ s first drone-delivery company wants the developing industry to propel and inspire people , create jobs and employ residents in preparation for a future in high-tech services .
Hermosa and Cordero envision a regional expansion , with plans to fly to island nations such as Palau , Federated States of Micronesia and Marshall Islands .
“ You can ’ t even imagine how much diversity it has , and the capabilities and advantages a drone brings the world . It ’ s just crazy . It ’ s going to be the wave of the future , and you don ’ t want to lose your opportunity ,” said Cordero , chief operating officer .
Bella Wings has partnered with marketing firm Klara M / 2cofly ’ s Greg Barnes and Dong Won Lee , also a licensed drone pilot . 2cofly ( pronounced “ E ” cofly ) focuses on 2D & 3D drone mapping , UXO surveying , and commercial inspections . This type of technology will enhance many industries , such as construction .
Another strategic partnership is with Chicago-based Valqari , with its patented mailbox stations . Valqari provides delivery stations
Charlie Hermosa
Pearla Cordero
‘ Using Drone Technology to Improve Your Life ’
Solutions in the Skies BELLA WINGS AVIATION TAKES OFF
that offer safe , convenient landing stations for UAVs with six separate storage units to accommodate multiple drone- and traditional deliveries or pick-ups .
With the ongoing testing of different types of drones , Bella Wings Aviation is positioning itself to deliver on :
• Revolutionizing touchless delivery . The company offers touch-free , streamlined delivery of essential goods and supplies to clients , even in remote areas , via unique “ April tags ” placed on the ground outside their homes or businesses . Drones go anywhere , and faster , and packages don ’ t get lost or stolen . Mailbox stations provide an alternative delivery site and system to which customers have 24 / 7 access . In addition , the “ wow ” factor in this service is priceless to innumerable recipients . Imagine birthday , anniversary , engagement and wedding events that include this feature .
• Drone Photography & Videography , including authorized nighttime flight . Additional “ commercial inspections ” services include mapping , 3D modeling and other needs , such as surveying Unexploded Ordnance sites . Construction and insurance industries , disaster recovery efforts , commercial buildings and home inspections also can benefit from these services .
• Search & Rescue . With Infrared technology , drones can provide locating capabilities and life-saving deliveries , in cooperation with first-responders . In emergency situations , the UAVs can render assistance quickly and accurately .
• Aerial Advertising . Advertising & marketing firms use drones to make public statements or announcements . The UAVs can
By Ethan Perez
fly-by , but also hover overhead . They can deliver flying banners to private parties or for hotel promotions , or even a government message to visitors “ as a safety device ,” or to welcome beachgoers back outdoors !
Hermosa said to ensure privacy of the island ’ s residents , Bella Wings will carve out accurate flight paths , but that these paths will be limited to airspace over main roads and along the coastlines instead of over homes , following all the guidelines of the FAA ’ s Part 107 regulations .
Another safety issue that may be of concern to residents is what happens if a drone loses its way , or its connection to Bella Wings ’ network while on its way to a delivery . Hermosa assures everyone that within their testing , the autonomous flight manager monitored by a “ home tower ,” keeps track of all the drones and , if at any point connection to that tower is lost , the drone will immediately abort its mission and return home .
Within the millions of ocean space and airspace miles of our Pacific Islands – let alone the isles and atolls themselves – are intimate details about our surroundings that drones can help us learn and share .
For more information , log in to www . bellawingsaviation . com .
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