Airbus has unveiled its new Airbus Aerial commercial drone start-up, which is to be based in Atlanta, Georgia, US.

With a separate base in Europe, the business will initially focus on developing new imagery services.

The services will be developed on the basis of advanced software and aerospace technology worldwide to offer actionable data and analysis of information provided by drones, satellites, high-altitude aircraft and other sources.

Airbus Aerial's imagery services are expected to be used in various applications for commercial industries, including insurance, agriculture, utilities, oil and gas, as well as state and local governments.

Airbus Defence and Space CEO Dirk Hoke said: “Through Airbus Aerial, we are uniquely positioned and fully committed to advancing the commercial unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry.

“It is bringing together partners from across the industry, ranging from vehicle manufacturers, data analytics companies, service providers and others, to enable data-focused services at large scale.

“Using an integrated combination of assets, from UAS platforms to satellite imagery, Airbus Aerial is rolling out a wide range of new imagery services. In the future, additional pillars of the Airbus Aerial activities will be in the area of cargo drone services, as well as providing connectivity via aerial assets.”

“Through Airbus Aerial, we are uniquely positioned and fully committed to advancing the commercial unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry."

Airbus Aerial’s US-based operations will be led by Jesse Kallman, a UAS industry expert with experience in a range of organisations, including the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The unit has already started recruiting for various positions in software development, data analytics and drone operations.

Airbus Aerial is also seeking new partnerships to help bring its services to market.