CEA market research expects 2015 to be a defining year for unmanned systems, with the category ideally positioned for steady growth.

Arlington, VA, May 12, 2015 - The following statement is attributed to Douglas Johnson, vice president, technology policy, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), in response to the introduction of the Commercial UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) Modernization Act by Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Hoeven (R-ND):

"We thank Senators Booker and Hoeven for introducing legislation that recognizes and supports the potential of UAS to help grow our innovation economy and create new jobs.

"According to CEAs recent economic research, the U.S. will reach one million UAS flights per day within the next 20 years—as long as we have the right policy environment in place. A safety-focused, lightly regulated UAS market will bring better access to the game-changing innovations drones can deliver - sometimes quite literally - from the rapid dispatch of first-responder supplies, to safer work environments for our inspection and repair crews, to more efficient, less-polluting commercial delivery systems. And by responsibly integrating drones into our transportation system, well be able to cut back on city traffic, use less fuel and produce lower levels of carbon emissions."

"By seeking to advance the safe deployment and integration of commercial drones in the U.S., this bill recognizes the need to make the most of what could be a one billion dollar technology market."

CEA market research expects 2015 to be a defining year for unmanned systems, with the category ideally positioned for steady growth. According to CEA projections, the global market for consumer UAS will approach $130 million in revenue in 2015, increasing by more than 50 percent from 2014; unit sales of consumer UAS are expected to approach 425,000, an increase of 65 percent.

This year CEA debuted the Unmanned Systems Marketplace at the 2015 International CES, with 15 UAS companies - almost four times as many as last year - covering 7,600 square feet of exhibit space. At CES, Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, announced CEAs support of the UAS safety campaign "Know Before You Fly," which provides prospective UAS operators with the information and guidance they need to fly safely and responsibly.

About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $286 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative and regulatory advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES - The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEAs industry services. Find CEA online at CE.org, InnovationMovement.com