His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Colorado-based Nova Sky Stories, and Abu Dhabi-headquartered Analog, an Emirati […]

It’s been a good and bad weekend for North Texas-based drone light show company Sky Elements. Yesterday we gave an update on a drone show put on by the company in Lake Eola, Florida, where footage shows multiple drones colliding out of control and falling into the lake and on land.

One boy ended up in the hospital after being struck by one of those out-of-control drones. According to CNN affiliate WESH, the injuries were so severe that the boy underwent open-heart surgery.

Read more about that story here.

But in other news — this time over in Texas — Sky Elements achieved a groundbreaking milestone on Dec. 20, 2024. They’ve broken all sorts of records, but this record is unique. Sky Elements shattered the Guinness World Record for the “Longest Animation Performed by UAVs or Drones.”

In collaboration with the City of North Richland Hills, the American drone show company Sky Elements flew 2,500 drones that told a darling Christmas story across the sky in a dazzling 30-minute display. And being such a long show, this one had a full story behind it involving penguins and a snowman.

This historic event marked Sky Elements’ 12th Guinness World Record. Michael Empric, a Guinness World Records adjudicator, was present to officially verify the accomplishment.

The event took place at the Birdville ISD Fine Arts/Athletics Complex. There, attendees watched the show from their cars, tuning in to 88.9 FM to experience the synchronized audio that complemented the visuals, evoking a modern-day drive-in movie experience.

Watch a condensed version of the 30-minute show here:

The previous record

The achievement surpassed the previous record of 26 minutes and 26 seconds, held by a Chinese drone company in Shenzhen, Guangdong.

That show happened a few years back and was put on by Shenzhen HighGreat Innovation Technology Development Co., a company that also makes light show drones. During that show, HighGreat actually broke what at the time was four new Guinness World Records, including the largest number of drones flying simultaneously (5,164), the largest light image (composed by 5,184 drones), the longest animation show performed by drones (26 minutes and 26 seconds), and the largest number of varied consecutive formations by a single fleet (88).

Why the new Sky Elements record matters: a shift in drone innovation

In recent months, conversations around drone records often centered on sheer size — how many drones could take flight in synchronized displays. While impressive, the frequent breaking of such records has begun to feel reminiscent of the early days of drone delivery, when novelty milestones like delivering pizzas, sandwiches or coffee dominated headlines.

The past weekend’s record-breaking drone show shift the focus to technological advancements, particularly in flight duration and animation complexity. Sky Elements’ latest record isn’t just a bigger number; it’s a leap forward in drone technology. Extending drone show times to 30 minutes requires advanced hardware, software and meticulous planning. In fact, this show rotated three fleets in and out, which enabled them to run a show that long.

This record underscores significant progress in both battery efficiency and drone reliability as well as drone show planning. All of those qualities are crucial factors for the future of drone applications beyond entertainment, such as search and rescue, agriculture, and logistics.

The technology behind the show

Sky Elements relies on UVify drones, which are made by American drone company UVify and manufactured in South Korea. The company’s are largely considered the best light show drones you can buy, known for their precision and performance. Uvify’s drones are engineered to excel in demanding environments, offering extended battery life, high-speed capabilities and robust durability. The drones cost about $1,500 each.

UVify also rolled out a new rental network that makes putting on ultra-massive systems possible, by way of what’s called the FAB (Fleet Augmentation by UVify) rental system. With it, UVify implements a revenue-share system where customers who use extra drones share show revenue with UVify in exchange for borrowing their drones.

Want to buy your own set of UVify IFO drones? Mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO. 

What to know about Sky Elements

This latest feat is just one of many in Sky Elements’ portfolio. Sky Elements is now a 12-time Guinness World Record holder, including another reason record-breaking drone show in Texas involving firework drones, plus a show at IAAPA 2024 that put 2,484 drones over the Orlando Convention Center to break the record for “Largest aerial display of a bird formed by multi-rotors/drones.”  The company was also a finalist on “America’s Got Talent.”

The company will likely face some setbacks after that Orlando drone show that went wrong

Still the company has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of drone entertainment, previously setting records for the largest drone show in the U.S. and creating displays for high-profile events like the MLB World Series, NFL games and movie premieres.

The post Sky Elements shatters world record for longest drone animation with Christmas spectacle appeared first on The Drone Girl.

In a move set to make it even easier for teams to put on their own (huge) drone light shows, drone show leader UVify just introduced a new concept offering light show drones for rent.

It’s called the FAB (Fleet Augmentation by UVify) rental system. This model allows members of the UVify IFO network to expand their fleets on demand, enabling them to deliver larger-scale productions without the need for hefty upfront investments. Of course, you must already own some UVify drones to participate in the program.

The UVify IFO is a light show drone famously used by names including Sky Elements, which was a finalist on America’s Got Talent. UVify sells their IFO drones for just over $1,500 per unit.

Want to buy a UVify IFO drone? Mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO. 

And for teams using IFO drones who are continuously seeking to break records for huge drone shows, this makes it possible — without the huge upfront cost. Some of the record-breaking drone shows made possible by UVify IFO drones include that recent Sky Elements drone show with 2,484 IFO drones creating a hummingbird in the sky for IAAPA 2024, and more recently a 5,000 drone Christmas light show (also by Sky Elements) that entailed a massive turkey and a gingerbread village. Watch that one below, right here:

How the FAB rental system works

The FAB system operates on a revenue-share model exclusive to UVify IFO network partners. Here’s how it works:

Fleet augmentation: Imagine you own a fleet of 100 UVify IFO drones but secure a contract requiring 200 drones. Instead of purchasing an additional 100 drones outright, you can rent the extra drones from UVify.

Revenue sharing: For the rented drones, the revenue from the contract is split 50-50 between the operator and UVify. Using the example above, if the contract is valued at $60,000 (at $300 per drone), the operator keeps $45,000 while paying $15,000 to UVify for renting the additional 100 drones.

Scalability: The more drones you rent, the higher the revenue share UVify collects. For instance, if you own 100 drones and need 1,000 for a show, you can rent the additional 900 from UVify, further amplifying your production capabilities.

Advantages of FAB for drone show companies

Of course, it’s likely more economical long term to just fork over the $1,500 per drone. But for drone light show companies who have landed an unusually large contract, the model can make sense. UVify’s FAB system offers several other benefits for operators:

Reduced Capital Costs: Avoid the significant investment required to purchase additional drones for one-off or sporadic large-scale events.

Flexibility: Scale your fleet based on project requirements, allowing you to accept larger contracts without logistical concerns.

Global Accessibility: UVify’s warehouses in the U.S., Europe, and soon the MENA region ensure quick and reliable access to rental drones.

The FAB rental system is an industry first and could fundamentally reshape how drone light show operators approach scalability and profitability. By enabling operators to grow their base fleets incrementally, FAB aligns UVify’s success with that of its partners.

What to know about UVify

UVify famously builds the IFO light show drones, which are built in South Korea. UVify sells a turnkey solution, where your purchase includes all hardware, software and 24/7 support. Of course, that also unlocks access to UVify’s FAB rental network.

The drones are some of the most powerful out there. Key specs include a waterproof rating of IP43, win speed resistance of up to 20 m/s (45 mph) and 26-minute flight times. The drones weigh 682 grams and their dimensions are 275x275x120 mm, which is somewhat comparable to something like the DJI Air 3S drone.

They even sell pyro drones.

Order the UVify IFO today, and don’t forget to mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO. 

The post Light show drones for rent? UVify’s new FAB rental system makes it possible appeared first on The Drone Girl.

When fireworks light up the night sky, they leave behind more than fleeting bursts of color. There is noise, smoke and debris, reminders of an old-fashioned form of celebration. But in Toronto, the skyline is changing. This year, the city announced a partnership with Illumin Drone Shows to replace traditional fireworks with cutting-edge drone light displays, marking a turning point in how public celebrations are imagined.

This move isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about sustainability, innovation and storytelling — and it places Toronto at the forefront of a global trend. Across the world, cities are beginning to trade fireworks for drones, tapping into technology that offers mesmerizing visuals without the environmental drawbacks of pyrotechnics.

Technology meets tradition

The trend is perhaps no more clear than in the Canadian City of Toronto. Toronto, which is Canada’s most populous city, put out an ambitious Request for Proposals (RFP) earlier this year. The city’s goal was clear: find a partner capable of creating dazzling yet sustainable spectacles for its annual events. The RFP’s rigorous technical and safety standards set the tone, signaling the city’s intent to push boundaries while maintaining public safety.

The city of Toronto selected Illumin Drone Shows, a Canadian leader in drone entertainment, for the job. The company’s innovative hardware and proprietary software have already been used for events like Ottawa’s Diwali Celebration and Belleville’s Festival of Lights. Now, with Toronto as a client, Illumin is cementing its reputation as a pioneer in the industry.

“Toronto is not only our home but a global beacon of progress, creativity, and cultural celebration,” said Christian Ilumin, CEO of Illumin Drone Shows.

A movement beyond Canada

Drone light shows are gaining traction worldwide, especially in urban centers eager to adopt more sustainable practices. Displays in cities like Shanghai and Dubai have drawn millions of viewers, showcasing the power of synchronized drones to tell stories and create immersive experiences. Unlike fireworks, drones generate no toxic smoke, leave no litter and operate with far less noise—a win for the environment and for communities sensitive to loud celebrations.

“This partnership between Toronto and Illumin Drone Shows has the potential to spark a broader movement across cities globally,” according to a statement from Illumin Drone Shows. “By adopting drone technology, Toronto is demonstrating how public celebrations can evolve to meet the demands of a modern, environmentally conscious world.”

And for its part, Illumin Drone Shows — while deeply rooted in Canada — is expanding its reach. The company recently opened a U.S. headquarters in Tampa Bay, positioning itself to bring aerial artistry to American audiences.

Other accolades for the company include that Illumin won third place for the Best Rising Star Drone Show of 2023 in the 4th International Drone Show Competition from SPH Engineering. It’s also the team behind Canada’s largest ever drone show, which was a 600-drone display for Range Rover.

Investment in the future

For cities, investing in drone technology goes beyond entertainment. It’s a statement of intent, and a reimagining of what city-funded, what public celebrations can be. While many drone shows are privately commissioned (often by companies for corporate events or product launches as evidenced by the myriad Super Bowl drone shows), cities do spend big on their own entertainment, which in turn can drive spending as people travel, shop and dine out the day of the drone show.

In fact 26.5 million visitors arrived in the city of Toronto in 2023, and spent $8.4 billion across sectors such as hotels, shopping and entertainment, according to the Economic Impact of Visitors in Toronto, released in June 2024. Not only does that contribute $2.1 billion in tax revenue, but it sustains roughly 67,000 jobs in the City of Toronto, generating $3.5 billion in labor income. Drone shows could likely drive even more tourism into the city.

For the drone industry, Toronto’s commitment a clear sign that the market for global drone entertainment market is growing. With that comes investment from both public and private sectors. After all, the average cost of a drone light show in North America is $52,455. Companies like Illumin are leveraging this momentum, with clients ranging from local governments to major corporations seeking to incorporate drones into marketing and events.

For audiences, the shift to drone light shows offers something even fireworks can’t match: the ability to weave intricate, evolving narratives in the night sky that afford a greater level of storytelling than what most fireworks shows ever achieve.

The post Why city event planners want drone shows so badly (and one major city’s big plans to keep them) appeared first on The Drone Girl.