Jul 03, 2023 23:00:00

'Fireworks festival' is in a difficult situation due to the spread of 'drone show'

Drones are used for various purposes such as shooting from the air, development of pharmaceuticals, and warfare. In recent years, 'drone shows' that use such drones in large quantities have been

held all over the world. However, it is reported that the development of drone shows is putting the traditional fireworks industry in trouble.

Fireworks have a new competitor: drones | The Seattle Times
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/fireworks-have-a-new-competitor-drones/

Fireworks Have a New Competitor: Drones - The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/01/business/dealbook/fourth-of-july-fireworks-drones.html

Drone shows in which hordes of drones fly through the sky have increased in number in recent years, with various shows taking place everywhere from the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to the coronation of Charles III in 2023. I came.

According to a survey by Allied Market Research , which specializes in market research, the global drone show market, which was almost non-existent in 2010, will reach about $1 billion (about 144 billion yen) in 2021. He said he would.

From the perspective of 'a show that colors the night sky', fireworks festivals and drone shows are very similar. However, compared to traditional fireworks displays, drone shows are considered quieter, safer and more environmentally friendly. For this reason, many of the fireworks industry are considering whether to enter the drone business by investing in expensive equipment and adapting to regulations, or whether to continue manufacturing fireworks even if drone shows become more popular in the future, believing that the demand for fireworks will remain stable. I am faced with the difficult decision of whether to continue or not.

Generally in the United States, fireworks festivals celebrating Independence Day on July 4th are held in various places, and the fireworks industry is said to make most of its annual revenue before and after that. However, in Salt Lake City, Utah and Boulder, Colorado, drone shows will be held instead of fireworks on Independence Day 2023. It is believed that switching from fireworks displays to drone shows will reduce the risk of forest fires and pollution.

Chris Hopkins, co-owner of ``

Star Flight Drone Show '', which produces drone shows, says, ``Drone shows are more sophisticated than fireworks displays.'' The Starflight Drone Show will purchase at least 75 drones priced at $1,500 or more each in 2022, submit numerous applications to the Federal Aviation Administration, and seek regulatory approval. I got We also secured personnel skilled in drone operation. Hopkins suggests that drone shows are well worth the investment.

On the other hand, not everyone wants a drone show that colors the night sky, and some people want a conventional fireworks display. Galveston, Texas, held a drone show on Fourth of July in 2022, but is considering returning to a traditional fireworks display in 2023. In addition, there is also an opinion that `` the drone show lacks power because there is no explosion sound of the fireworks display ''.

As the drone show expands, some fireworks companies are entering the drone field, while some fireworks companies have revealed that they will maintain the conventional system. Heather Govett of Western

Display Firework, an Oregon pyrotechnics company, said, 'The expertise, qualifications, and expense of putting on a drone show just can't be dealt with.' On the other hand, it has revealed that it will be held in partnership with a company that provides drone shows according to customer requests.

According to The New York Times, 'Like the drone-fireworks show at the Democratic Party's celebration of the 2020 presidential election results, the harmonization of the drone show industry and the fireworks industry will help both industries. I see hope,” he said.

Rick Boss, owner of Sky Elements, which handles drone shows, said, ``Traditional major fireworks companies can consider entering and expanding into new areas such as drone shows, but small-scale fireworks The company is in trouble, but increased competition is opening up business opportunities.' In addition, Mr. Boss said, ``Some fireworks companies are shrinking their business, while others seem to have completely withdrawn from the fireworks business. It's a good time,' he said.